‘I know him personally’: Sky pundit reacts as Jordan Henderson leaves Liverpool for Saudi Arabia

Follow us on Google Discover

Clinton Morrison has expressed his ‘surprise’ at Jordan Henderson closing in on a transfer from Liverpool to Saudi Arabia side, Al-Ettifaq.

The Saudi Pro League side is managed by Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, with Morrison, who played with the 33-year-old at Coventry, stating that ‘his reputation hasn’t been damaged’ ahead of his move, as he told Sky Sports.

The transfer is close to being done, with Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano adding that ‘contracts are being signed right now’, as he posted on Twitter.

Heading into the forthcoming season, Jordan Henderson would have known that his game time was going to be reduced.

Jurgen Klopp needed to refresh and reshape his midfield after his team suffered many, many issues last season.

But whilst players expected to be brought in, not many thought Henderson would leave, with former Crystal Palace striker Morrison sharing his thoughts.

“I was surprised because I thought Jordan Henderson would stay at Liverpool,” said Morrison. “The money that is being talked about, and at Jordan Henderson’s age, you can understand why he has gone to Saudi Arabia. It’s life-changing money for his family.

“He’s going to work with Steven Gerrard. It’s a project. He wants to be part of the project. Steven Gerrard is building a project there and he wants to be a part of that. He is definitely going for the money.

“I don’t think it’s damaged (his reputation). I know him personally, I played with him at Coventry. It’s not damaged, in my eyes, for Jordan Henderson to go there.”

Henderson’s leadership at Liverpool

Two big figures have or are going to depart Liverpool this summer. James Milner has joined Brighton on a free transfer, whilst Henderson is now following him out of the door.

Off the field and away from the cameras, that’s a big blow to the dressing room because their experience and character is going to be a huge miss.

It will be interesting that with Henderson now leaving and freeing the captain’s armband, who Klopp will turn to when replacing his £140k-a-week skipper (Spotrac).

There is the local boy and crowd favourite Trent Alexander-Arnold or he could turn to someone like Andy Robertson, who does that job for Scotland, the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker will surely also be in contention.