According to a report from Mirror, Liverpool are yet to sanction Jordan Henderson’s exit, while rumours about the captain’s future are growing more intense. The Merseyside star has accepted a £700,000 per week offer from Al Ettifaq, a team in the Saudi Pro League that is now under the management of Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard. Recent reports indicate that Henderson is increasingly inclined towards moving to the Middle East.
Henderson’s Campaign With Liverpool Last Season
Henderson encountered difficulties in maintaining consistency at Anfield, struggling to contribute effectively in the opponent’s territory. Throughout the previous season, the English international participated in 37 matches for the Reds, registering only two assists across all competitions.
Nevertheless, the 33-year-old made the most of his appearances, showcasing notable performance indicators in Premier League matches. He averaged 0.9 tackles, 0.9 key passes, and 0.7 interceptions per game, demonstrating his defensive contribution. Additionally, he exhibited excellent distribution skills in the attacking half, exemplified by his impressive pass success rate of 84.9% in the highest echelon of English football (statistics sourced from whoscored).
Henderson remains under contract at the Merseyside club until the summer of 2025. Hence, Liverpool could still look to recoup some of the investments made in him if they sanction his exit this summer.
Should Jurgen Klopp Sanction His Exit?
As Liverpool look to strengthen their squad for the upcoming season, questions have been raised regarding the future of their captain, Jordan Henderson. With the recent signings of Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister, some speculate whether it’s time for manager Jurgen Klopp to consider sanctioning Henderson’s exit.
Jordan Henderson has been a vital figure in Liverpool’s previous successes, playing an instrumental role in their Premier League campaigns and UEFA Champions League triumphs. As the team’s captain, he has provided leadership on and off the pitch, becoming a driving force in Klopp’s system. His tireless work rate, versatility, and ability to rally teammates make him an invaluable asset. However, he has little to offer upfront and can only do well to defend the backline.
The addition of Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister increases competition for places in the Liverpool midfield. This healthy competition could push Henderson to elevate his performance and maintain consistency for another season. Still, the Reds would eventually have to find a decent replacement for the veteran next summer.
Deciding whether to sanction Jordan Henderson’s exit is a complex decision for Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool’s management. While the arrivals of Szoboszlai and Mac Allister offer promising additions to the squad, the value of Henderson’s leadership, experience, and work rate cannot be underestimated.
