How Liverpool’s players actually feel about Jordan Henderson leaving for Saudi Arabia – Fabrizio Romano

Liverpool players have ‘no issues’ with captain Jordan Henderson leaving them for a big contract in Saudi Arabia.

One of the most unexpected storylines of the summer looks set to end soon, with Liverpool finally agreeing to sell Henderson to Al Ettifaq. It comes as a huge shock to Reds fans, who wouldn’t have been expecting to lose their captain ahead of the new season.

Given the surprising nature of the move, you might think the remaining Liverpool players may also be a little put out. But according to journalist Fabrizio Romano in his Daily Briefing, that isn’t the case.

Jordan Henderson

“It looks like it could be quite a big shock for Liverpool to lose two such important players, including their long-serving captain,” says the journalist.

“Of course the Liverpool players understand the incredible contract proposal received by Henderson at his age, so no issues there.

“It’s still not clear who’s going to be the next captain, but in my opinion Virgil van Dijk would be a fantastic candidate.”

No issues between Henderson and Liverpool

In reality, there isn’t much reason why Henderson’s Liverpool teammates would be upset with him for leaving.

The 33-year-old had looked set for a reduced role in the coming season and is presumably still on excellent terms with the group.

Because of everything surrounding his departure though, supporters have a right to feel differently.

Many will feel let down and even angry by the way their long-serving skipper is skulking off through the back door – and where he’s heading to.

Long story short, Henderson has a bit of explaining to do. Unfortunately, anything he does come out and say to justify surrendering the Liverpool captaincy and – according to some – his moral compass, in exchange for a big bag of cash will not ring true. Damage has been done.

For the players though, they likely won’t be too bothered by all of that. The fact that Roberto Firmino and Fabinho haven’t come under the same scrutiny for moving to Saudi Arabia speaks to that.

For many of them, they perhaps won’t even see reason for criticism at all. That in itself is depressing enough. The sooner we get this episode behind us, the better.