Jordan Henderson has decided that he wants to leave Saudi Arabian side Al Ettifaq, leading to rumours of a move to Newcastle United.
The former Liverpool captain was involved in one of the summer’s most controversial transfers, leaving Anfield to head to the Saudi Pro League.
He was widely criticised for the decision, and the 33-year-old is now keen to return to Europe.
Where Jordan Henderson goes remains to be seen, but it is no surprise to see Newcastle United mentioned in the same breath as they continue to search for a midfielder.
It has been reported that the Magpies have been made aware of his availability, while the Telegraph’s Luke Edwards has claimed that the club have had ‘conversations’ about signing the England international.
A move to St James’ Park would be controversial given his Sunderland roots, but it would be nowhere near as controversial as his decision to go to Saudi Arabia in the first place.
He was booed on his return to Wembley when he played for England back in October, with supporters unhappy with the midfielder’s decision to join a club in Saudi Arabia. It seemed very hypocritical given the work he had done for the LGBT community.
Alan Shearer spoke about Jordan Henderson in October
But Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer thought the treatment he received from England fans was harsh, and his comments about the booing on the Rest Is Football podcast from October 16th 2023 are now very interesting following talk that Henderson could arrive at St James’ Park.
“I thought that was extremely harsh,” he said.
“Would I be correct in saying that 98 or 99 percent of those that booed him, if given the same chance, put in the same position to earn £700,000 per week, would they say no to that?
“You can’t blame him for that (being selected). The work he has done off the field, as well as on the field. He’s been a great captain for Liverpool – a fantastic leader. He’s taken Liverpool to heights that they hadn’t been to for a long time.
“So I don’t agree with the criticism of him at all. He could have chosen not to do any work. He could have chosen not to do any work for the NHS, for the LGBT community, but he did.”
Henderson clearly regrets his decision with Newcastle now linked
Financially, it is understandable why Henderson took his talents to Saudi Arabia. So many other players did the same, with Newcastle United selling Allan Saint-Maximin to Al Ahli.
But given how vocal Henderson was about social issues during his time with Liverpool, it was a real shock to see him move to Al Ettifaq.
Shearer disagreed with the criticism, choosing to back Henderson for his decision given the financial rewards. From a career perspective, it made sense given the money on offer. But there were the humanitarian issues that came with it, which are becoming increasingly entwined with football.
That is something that Newcastle United fans are constantly having to wrestle with, given the fact that the club is owned by PIF.
Regardless, it now appears that Henderson regrets his decision, and is looking to make up for lost time back in Europe. Whether that results in a move to Newcastle remains to be seen, but it would be a major shock.
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