Former Liverpool hero Danny Murphy would be ‘really surprised’ if the Premier League giants let Jordan Henderson go amid reported interest from Saudi Arabia.
Wherever Steven Gerrard goes, a few trusted lieutenants tend to follow.
One-time Liverpool defender Jon Flanagan became one of Gerrard’s first signings after taking over at Rangers in 2018. A few months after arriving at Aston Villa, meanwhile, the 43-year-old set about reuniting with Philippe Coutinho in the Midlands.
And The Daily Mail believe that Gerrard could once again be picking up the phone to a former team-mate; Jordan Henderson high on the new Al-Ettifaq coach’s wishlist as he begins a new adventure in Saudi Arabia.
Murphy, however, cannot envisage Liverpool letting their longest-serving player go. While Jurgen Klopp is in the midst of an overdue midfield overhaul, Henderson’s experience and enduring influence on and off the pitch could be integral as Liverpool look to bridge the gap between the old era and the new one.
Jordan Henderson likely to stay at Liverpool
“(Henderson leaving) would surprise me,” Murphy tells talkSPORT (5 July, 12.40pm). “Unless (there is) an honest conversation with Jurgen Klopp about the amount of games he is going to play or not.
“Jordan still looks physically brilliant. He still looks like he’s got loads to give. He would still be in my Liverpool first XI, 100 per cent. Absolutely 100 per cent.
“I’d be really surprised (if he joined Gerrard in Saudi Arabia).”
Henderson celebrated his 33rd birthday last month. The £20 million signing from Sunderland still played over 40 games in all competitions in 2022/23, however, and it is hard to imagine Liverpool agreeing to his departure after bidding farewell to fellow midfielders Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita, Arthur Melo, James Milner and Fabio Carvalho.
Thiago Alcantara is also facing an uncertain future, Saudi Arabian clubs reportedly targeting him too.
Henderson, meanwhile, should remain a vital figure in the dressing room as he looks to help newcomers Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai settle into their new Merseyside home.
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