Jordan Henderson’s decision to move to Saudi Arabia has been criticised, with Danny Murphy stating that “he messed up” and emphasizing that “he was wealthy anyway”.
The ex-Liverpool captain has allegedly terminated his contract with Al-Ettifaq, expressing a strong desire to leave the Middle East despite completing a £12 million ($15m) transfer in the summer of 2023.
Henderson is reportedly on his way back to England, with Ajax granting him permission for a permanent transfer, as confirmed by top officials at the Saudi Pro League club.
However, ex-Liverpool midfielder Murphy believes that the Saudi saga has done irreparable damage to Henderson’s reputation and has urged other players to learn a lesson from the transfer.
Speaking on White and Jordan for talkSPORT, Murphy said: “There might be a thought in his mind that by doing that [paying way out], he kind of rights the wrongs of people accusing him of the greed and the money that he went for in the first place.
“I think if this is a lesson for others looking in from afar, really think hard about it. Depending on your financial situation, sometimes it’s a no-brainer. But he was wealthy anyway, and I think football contentment is a starting place for the rest of your life being happy.
“There might be something other people translate to their own lives. But Jordan here, he’s messed it up really. I don’t think from Liverpool fans’ perspective, but for a broad spectrum of football people, his character and his reputation has been damaged by this whole episode.”
Henderson now appears to be bound for Ajax, having agreed a deal in principle to join the Eredivisie side. It is believed that the midfielder might be offered an 18-month deal with the option of a further year by the Amsterdam outfit.
Speaking on the potential transfer to Ajax, Murphy added: “I think it’s probably as close to home as he can get. I don’t know if there are an abundance of offers on the table.”
Former Crystal Palace owner and talkSPORT host Simon Jordan also slammed Henderson for his decision to move to Saudi Arabia, and subsequently making a U-turn when things did not fall in place.
“I don’t think it’s a good look for either of them, the Saudis are very ambitious and they have every right to be,” he said. “They must be disappointed that one of the leading names that has gone over there from one the big English clubs, playing for his country, has decided that it’s not for him. Specifically when he’s gone out there with some ridiculous diatribe about the face, he wants to grow the game.
“The flip side of the question is, what does it make Jordan Henderson look like?
“Does it make him look like a man of substance? Does it make him look like a man of character that overcomes adversity and ultimately shows you that when things aren’t going his way, that he’s capable of turning it around and making it better? I don’t think it’s great either way; it proves the point that the Saudi League have got a long way to go to be able to create the backdrop where the world’s best players will want to play in it. It also shows the indulged and pampered nature of the modern-day footballer that the moment they don’t get what they want, they can change it.
“I’m surprised they [Ettifaq] have made it so easy for him.”
Al-Ettifaq had no intention of allowing Henderson to leave and were initially adamant about holding on to him. However, the player’s representatives managed to convince the SPL outfit to soften their stance. Henderson looks all set for a fresh challenge with Ajax, who have recovered their form under interim head coach John van ‘t Schip.