Ben Jacobs has explained why Jordan Henderson turned down an original offer from Al-Ettifaq, as well as why he changed his mind about relocating to Saudi Arabia
The Liverpool captain has verbally accepted to move to the Middle East, with talks between the two teams continuing over the potential transfer cost (Fabrizio Romano).
The 33-year-old had initially rejected the move, but when Steven Gerrard’s side countered with a more generous offer, he changed his mind for reasons other than financial gain.
“Henderson actually rejected Al-Ettifaq’s first offer and told some within Liverpool’s senior hierarchy that he was focused on the new season and felt staying would best aid his Euro 2024 chances,” Jacobs wrote in his exclusive Daily Briefing piece for CaughtOffside.
“However, Al-Ettifaq countered with a better offer, and Henderson now believes that the game time they can provide is more valuable than staying at Anfield.”
Some cynics may argue that the midfielder’s primary incentive for heading to Saudi Arabia is the £700,000 per week he’d earn (The Athletic), but any concerns he has about declining game time at Anfield are valid.
Ben Jacobs has detailed why Jordan Henderson turned down an initial offer from Al-Ettifaq and why he changed his mind about joining the club.
Henderson started six fewer Premier League games and played 529 fewer minutes last season than in 2021/22 (WhoScored), and the arrivals of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai this summer provide more competition for a starting spot.
Perhaps he believes that failing to start consistently for Liverpool this season will affect his England chances at Euro 2024 in the same way that transferring to Al-Ettifaq will, and has decided to do what he believes is best for his club career.
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