LIVERPOOL: Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has completed his move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq, both clubs announced on Wednesday.
The England midfielder is the latest big-name player from the Premier League to move to Saudi after 12 years at Anfield. He will reportedly earn $900,000 per week.
“We can confirm @JHenderson has completed a transfer to Al-Ettifaq,” Liverpool said on their social media channels.
We can confirm @JHenderson has completed a transfer to Al-Ettifaq.
As his Anfield chapter now comes to a close, everyone at the club wishes to place on record their thanks and gratitude for everything Jordan did for us during his 12 years as a Red
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 27, 2023
Al-Ettifaq posted, “A leader. A warrior. We’re simply thrilled to have him.”
A leader A warrior ⚔️
We’re simply thrilled to have him
Henderson is ETTIFAQI #HendersonEttifaqi pic.twitter.com/GIj8kggxtn
— Ettifaq Club (@Ettifaq_EN) July 27, 2023
The club’s manager Jürgen Klopp paid a heartfelt tribute to the departing midfielder, who Liverpool said made 492 appearances during his time and “a significant contribution in the additions of eight honours to the trophy cabinet.”
Klopp thanked him for his role in Liverpool’s success.
“You are a legend. I know people say recently we use that word slightly too often, I can tell you, that it’s not in your case,” Klopp said in a video message posted on the club’s Twitter as he wished Henderson further success on his new journey.
“You are a legend. I know people say recently we use that word slightly too often, I can tell you, that it’s not in your case.“
The boss says goodbye to the skipper @JHendersonpic.twitter.com/0QgjshRYTn
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 27, 2023
“I said in the beginning when I arrived here that life should be like that we all collect together. And when we are together, we collect together stories and make it our story. When you look back now already, I think you can’t avoid a smile,” added Klopp.
Henderson joined Saudi Arabian soccer club Al-Ettifaq weeks after Liverpool great Steven Gerrard was signed as a manager.
The Saudi league has targeted a slew of leading players from Europe as part of an ambitious recruitment to raise the profile of soccer in the country. Cristiano Ronaldo moved to Al-Nassr in December and has been followed by stars like Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante and Roberto Firmino during the offseason.
Henderson won every major club honor during his time at Liverpool, including the Champions League in 2019 and the Premier League title a year later. He still had two years to run on his current contract, but his move comes as Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp overhauls his midfield.
James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have all left the club, while Fabio Carvalho has joined Leipzig on a season-long loan.
Liverpool has signed Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai during the transfer window and is expected to add another midfielder ahead of the new season.
Klopp’s midfield revamp comes after the club endured a disappointing campaign last season, which saw it miss out on the Champions League for the first time in seven years and fail to win a trophy.
With AP
