Ben Jacobs revealed why the Liverpool captain, Jordan Henderson turned down an initial offer from Al-Ettifaq and also changed his mind about leaving Liverpool.
There had been rumours that the Englishman had verbally agreed on personal terms with Gerrard’s team. However, there were negotiations on-going between the two clubs over a potential transfer as well.
The 33-year-old was destined to be playing under his former captain the next season. However, it is reported that the midfielder has had a change of heart motivated by factors other than financial gain.
Henderson might stay at Liverpool?
In his exclusive daily briefing column for CaughtOffside, Ben Jacobs wrote about the Henderson-Liverpool saga.
“Henderson actually rejected Al-Ettifaq’s first offer and told some within Liverpool’s senior hierarchy he was focused on the new season and felt staying would best aid his Euro 2024 chances.
But Al-Ettifaq came back with an improved offer and Henderson now feels the game time they can offer is more beneficial than staying at Anfield.”
Some cynics may insist that the midfielder’s primary motivation for moving to Saudi is the £700,000 he’d be earning each week. But any concerns from him over receding game-time at Anfield would be legitimate.
Henderson started six fewer Premier League games and played 529 fewer minutes last season than in 2021/22.
Also, the additions of Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai this summer add stronger competition for a starting berth.
Perhaps he feels that failing to start regularly for Liverpool in the upcoming campaign may harm his England prospects for Euro 2024.
Also, it would be the same case as moving to Al-Ettifaq and playing away from the PL. Hence, he has decided to do what he believes is best for his club career.
Until the captain speaks out about his proposed transfer, we could only speculate as to what his next destination could be.
There’ll be plenty of eyes on Henderson as Klopp’s side partake in their first pre-season friendly, against Karlsruher on Wednesday. And it is to be seen how big of a part Henderson plays in that game.
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