Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has officially joined Saudi club Al-Ettifaq, reuniting with club manager Steven Gerrard — the very legend who once passed him the captain’s armband at Anfield. These two have stood as the only official Liverpool captains in the past 20 years since 2003, making the reunion all the more symbolic. Henderson leaves Liverpool after a 12-year journey filled with silverware, having lifted every major trophy the club could offer as team captain.
His move to Saudi Arabia not only marks the end of an era at Anfield but also opens doors that would have otherwise remained shut. The biggest game-changer is the staggering weekly salary of £700,000 — a massive jump from the £190,000 he earned in Liverpool. As reported by Melbet App Download, this deal propels Henderson to the top of the UK’s highest-paid athletes, leaving others in the dust.
To put this in perspective, Henderson’s new annual income now stands at £36.4 million, edging past NBA superstar LeBron James, whose annual salary is £35.5 million. This financial leap speaks volumes about the influence and reach of Saudi clubs in today’s global football landscape. Even so, not everything glitters — many fans have noted the cultural differences and lack of intellectual stimulation Henderson might face, trading the “ocean of knowledge” for a financial oasis.
Al-Ettifaq wasted no time in honoring their new star, awarding Henderson both the captaincy and the iconic number 10 jersey. The scale of this signing is being compared to Lionel Messi’s blockbuster move to Inter Miami, and for good reason — Henderson, once dubbed the “reverse Messi” by fans for his unexpected rise, now mirrors the Argentine icon in attention and responsibility.
Liverpool, for their part, responded to the news with grace. The club released a statement sending their best wishes, acknowledging both the transfer fee received and the financial flexibility it provides. Henderson’s and James Milner’s exits have freed up enough funds to not only pursue midfield target Roméo Lavia but also comfortably meet his wage demands, with a bit left over to spare.
While the majority of Liverpool fans expressed support, criticism came mainly from British circles and a few veteran pundits. Meanwhile, another move is quietly progressing behind the scenes — Fabinho has completed a medical with Al-Ittihad. Though the deal is still pending official documents, the two clubs have reportedly reached a verbal agreement. A three-year contract awaits finalization.
This wave of high-profile exits has left many wondering about the Premier League’s shifting landscape, yet for fans following Bangladesh Cricket Live, the news adds another global sports layer to the current buzz. As international stars switch leagues and break financial ceilings, the sporting world continues to prove that change is the only constant — whether in football or in Bangladesh Cricket Live.