Jordan Henderson agrees huge contract with Al-Ettifaq after talks with Klopp | Liverpool

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has agreed to a lucrative contract offer from Al-Ettifaq following discussions with manager Jürgen Klopp. However, the completion of the deal hinges on Al-Ettifaq meeting Liverpool’s £10m asking price for their captain.

Initially, Al-Ettifaq had hoped to acquire the 33-year-old midfielder on a free transfer. Nevertheless, Liverpool is adamant about the £10m fee, and both clubs are set to negotiate. If the transfer is finalized, it will culminate Henderson’s impressive 12-year tenure at Anfield.

Henderson, an England international, had a meeting with manager Klopp on Thursday. Klopp had already secured the signings of midfielders Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister during the summer transfer window. The pursuit of a third midfielder was well underway even before Al-Ettifaq expressed interest in Henderson. Liverpool has also identified Roméo Lavia, a player from Southampton, as a potential target, although no official bid has been made. The club is actively exploring other options as well.

Last season, Henderson appeared in 43 matches for Liverpool and still has two years remaining on his current contract. It is worth noting that Al-Ettifaq is managed by Henderson’s former Liverpool teammate, Steven Gerrard.

The potential move to Saudi Arabia and Gerrard’s role as manager have faced criticism from Liverpool’s official LGBT+ fans’ group, Kop Outs. They condemn Henderson and Gerrard for being involved with a club in a country where homosexuality remains illegal. Henderson has been an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community during his time as Liverpool captain, even being nominated for Football Ally at the LGBT Awards in 2021. His commitment to inclusivity is well-known and has been expressed through his program notes, where he stated his support for anyone who feels marginalized.

A statement from Kop Outs expressed their disappointment towards the situation: “Kop Outs have greatly appreciated the allyship demonstrated by @Jhenderson. We are appalled and concerned that anyone would consider working for a sportswashing operation associated with a regime that oppresses women and LGBTQ+ individuals. It is particularly disheartening that Gerrard, who previously supported his LA Galaxy teammate Robbie Rogers when he came out as gay in 2013, has chosen to be involved in this sportswashing. When a person has accumulated significant wealth, should money be the sole temptation to accept a position? Perhaps individuals should reflect on such questions. We sincerely hope that Jordan Henderson remains true to the values of our club, which he has embodied wholeheartedly thus far.”