Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson joins Saudi Arabia's Al-Ettifaq team
He’s the first major signing since Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard was appointed head coach…
Yet another major league footballer is joining the Saudi Pro League. This time it’s the turn of Jordan Henderson, the former Liverpool captain, who will join Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ettifaq for the 2023/24 season.
Henderson is the first major signing for the team since Steven Gerrard – another former Liverpool star – was appointed head coach earlier this month.
Following the announcement, Al-Ettifaq shared that they were ‘thrilled’ to have the midfielder on board. He joins the Dammam-based team following an impressive 12-year stint at Liverpool FC.
A leader ?? A warrior ⚔️
We’re simply thrilled to have him ❤️?
Henderson is ETTIFAQI ?✨#HendersonEttifaqi pic.twitter.com/GIj8kggxtn
— Ettifaq Club (@Ettifaq_EN) July 27, 2023
A statement from Liverpool FC read, ‘Everybody at Liverpool Football Club wishes to place on record their thanks and gratitude for everything Jordan Henderson did for the club during his 12 years as a Red.’
Who are Al-Ettifaq?
Al Ettifaq was established back in 1945, and the team are based in Dammam in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province.
Last year, Al Ettifaq finished seventh in the Saudi Pro League out of 16 teams, with Al Ittihad FC winning the league. This season, 18 teams will compete for the coveted Saudi Pro League championship title.
When does the Saudi Pro League season start?
The 2023/2024 season of the Saudi Pro League kicks off on Friday August 11, the same day that the Premier League returns.
The hotly anticipated fixtures have now been released, and will see the four newly promoted teams play first. Henderson’s new team, Al Ettifaq, will return to the pitch on Monday August 14, when they take on Cristiano Ronaldo’s team, Al Nassr, at their home ground, Prince Mohammad Bin Fahad.
Images: @ettifaq