July 19, (THEWILL) – Al Ettifaq is about to make a significant addition to their squad, as reports monitored by THEWILL suggest that Liverpool captain, Jordan Henderson, is poised to join the Saudi Pro League club.
A deal between Al Ettifaq and Liverpool has been reached, paving the way for Henderson’s move to the Gulf state. The 33-year-old midfielder, who played a pivotal role in leading Liverpool to their English Premier League title in 2020 and previously lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy, is reportedly enticed by the opportunity to reunite with former teammate, Steven Gerrard, who recently took on the role of manager at Al Ettifaq.
Henderson’s potential move comes at a crucial juncture for both clubs. While Liverpool is set to receive a fee of £12 million ($15.5 million) for the transfer, Al Ettifaq stands to gain a highly experienced and accomplished player in their ranks. The Saudi club’s ambitious move for Henderson is a part of their broader strategy to attract top talents and enhance their standing in domestic and regional football.
However, the news has drawn the attention of Liverpool’s LGBT+ fans group Kop Outs, who have voiced concerns over the human rights record of Saudi Arabia and accused the country of engaging in “sportswashing” by hosting major sporting events and luring prominent footballers to its league.
It is an issue that brings to light broader discussions about the role of football in geopolitics and human rights issues. Liverpool, on the other hand, faces the challenge of replacing a key figure in their midfield, as they bid farewell to a player, who has been a cornerstone of their recent successes.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.