Jordan Henderson bid farewell to Liverpool fans on social media before his anticipated move to Al Ettifaq, where he is expected to join the Saudi Arabian Pro League. The lucrative transfer, potentially tripling his current salary of £200,000-per-week at Liverpool, is estimated to be worth approximately £13m. Henderson's departure concludes his impressive 12-year tenure at Anfield, during which he secured seven significant titles.
"I find it difficult to express my emotions about the past 12 years, and bidding farewell is an even more challenging task," he expressed on Instagram. "I will forever remain devoted to this team, even until my last breath. Gratitude for all that you have given me. We will always be united, no matter what."
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The Liverpool captain asked Jurgen Klopp about his playing time for the upcoming season before deciding to leave. He will now be coached by Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard at Al Ettifaq.
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Henderson joined the Liverpool squad for their pre-season training camp in Germany but was not included in the opening friendly against Karlsruher last week. He bid farewell to his team-mates and returned home for a medical examination and to finalize the move. The final legal aspects of his highly rewarding Al Ettifaq contract are anticipated to be finalized within the next day.
Liverpool is currently in the process of rebuilding their midfield, although it is not yet finished. They have made acquisitions in Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, and are still highly interested in Romeo Lavia.
Moreover, Thiago Alcantara has caught the attention of Saudi Arabia, while Liverpool has already approved Fabinho's £40m transfer to Al Ittihad.
Liverpool's LGBTQI+ fans group, Kop Outs, expressed their dissatisfaction with Henderson's proposed move in a tweet. They emphasized the importance of his allyship, but were deeply appalled and concerned by the prospect of him joining a sports washing operation associated with a regime known for oppressing women and LGBT+ individuals, as well as consistently having the highest number of death sentences worldwide.
Henderson completed 43 appearances for Liverpool in the 2022/23 season, coinciding with the 12th anniversary since he joined the club in the previous month.
Acquired from Sunderland in 2011, Henderson has triumphed in numerous competitions during his remarkable 12-year tenure at Anfield, including the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, two League Cups, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup.
Liverpool's £40m Lavia bid rejected by Southampton
Southampton have rejected a bid thought to be worth £40m from Liverpool for midfielder Romeo Lavia.
Southampton is reportedly demanding £50m for the talented 19-year-old player, with Chelsea also monitoring his situation. Lavia is currently bound by a four-year contract with Southampton.
Following Southampton's relegation from the Premier League last season, the Belgium international, who initially joined from Manchester City last summer, is anticipated to depart. Jurgen Klopp has wasted no time in bolstering his midfield this summer, securing the signings of Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton for £35m and Dominik Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig for £60m.
The new signings have filled the void left by midfielders James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Naby Keita, who have departed. Additionally, there is a possibility of captain Jordan Henderson and Brazil international Fabinho leaving Anfield this summer as they are currently arranging transfers to Saudi Arabia.
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