“We Weren’t Going to Throw Rocks and Stones in the Way” – Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp ‘Surprised’ at Jordan Henderson’s $46,900,000 Decision to Join Saudi League

The Saudi revolution is well and truly underway. Several Saudi soccer clubs have signed some of the finest players in the world, and shades of the Chinese Super League come to the minds of many. Adopting a similar approach, Saudi clubs are signing world-class players like plucking apples from orchards. Yet, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp remains surprised at seeing his most trusted player leave. For eight years, Jordan Henderson and the manager enjoyed a wonderful relationship. He deployed him in the middle of the park. But Hendo chose to leave the Reds behind to start a new chapter in his life.

Signing for Al-Ettifaq for $15.3 million, Jordan will play under Liverpool’s legendary midfielder, Steven Gerrard, in the upcoming season. Klopp, though, had other thoughts on the matter and explained it in a recent interview. 

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp surprised by Jordan Henderson’s move to Saudi Arabia

According to the Daily Mail, Klopp stated, “Was I surprised when Henderson said he wanted to move on? Of course. We had a relationship for eight years. He knew the situation that we wanted to keep him but if he wanted to leave we weren’t going to throw rocks and stones in the way. It was about reacting to it. Jordan will miss us and we will miss him. We have to go on and we will. That is clear.” The captain of Liverpool led the team from the front and assisted them by ending their wait for an English Premier League trophy. Likewise, they also won the UEFA Champions League to add to their illustrious list. 

Forming a striking link-up with Fabinho and Georginio Wijnaldum in the middle of the park, the trio dominated games like no other team. Missing a vital clog in the system won’t be easy, but Klopp replaced him with Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai to revamp the aging midfield. Even though the incoming signings are more than capable of leading the team, seeing Henderson leave would hurt. 

READ MORE- “UEFA or FIFA Must Find Solutions” – Liverpool Boss Jurgen Klopp Complains About Saudi Arabia’s Transfer Deadline After Massive Exodus of Players to Middle East

More than a player who offers so much to the team, his leadership, determination, and ability to motivate the team are exemplary. All those intangibles are necessary for a team to keep going on a high-pressure title challenge. He now joins the revolution of the Saudi Pro League. 

Henderson signs a bumper contract

He moved to Al-Ettifaq by signing a $894,239-per-week contract that will aim him financially in the twilight years of his career. From a Liverpool point of view, the man’s going to be a tremendous loss. However, how do you reject an offer as high as this when you’re 33? It’s likely that Henderson, having achieved all possible victories with his club, acted like other players in seeking financial advantages. 

Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, and his Liverpool teammate Fabinho joined the Middle East for better security in terms of money. Therefore, the Saudi Pro League revolution is here to stay with the league, looking to establish itself in the coming years to a global audience. They have surplus funds to bring in any player they want, and in the upcoming years, they probably can reach the top! Do you think it will happen?

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