Liverpool’s Pre-Season Match Overshadowed by Jordan Henderson Transfer News
Liverpool’s first pre-season match was overshadowed by the news that a fee has been accepted for Jordan Henderson, and Jurgen Klopp has explained it was his decision to leave out his captain. The focus ought to be firmly on the preparations for the season to come, but Klopp is seemingly just days away from losing two of his most experienced midfielders.
Fabinho is nearing a £40 million switch and Henderson is edging closer to joining Steven Gerrard’s Al Ettifaq for £12 million, plus add ons. The captain was left out of the squad that faced Karlsruher on Wednesday, and with no official post-match press conference, a word from Klopp on the matter appeared unlikely. However, Merseyside press in Germany did ask the question and Klopp expertly tiptoed around it, as you’d expect. Though he did explain the decision to keep his captain out of the squad was his.
Klopp Explains Decision to Leave Out Henderson
“In the end, all of these decisions are made by me,” the boss explained. “And because I respect the players a lot, it’s usually [with their] consent. It was in this case, and it is all fine.” Speaking about Henderson and Fabinho‘s moves, the boss said: “There’s actually nothing to say.
“As long as things are not really finally decided, we don’t have to talk about it. There will be a moment where we probably have to talk about it, but it’s not now.
“I don’t know that anything is decided, which means nothing to say in the moment. But that’s even better for you because you can speculate, which is much more fun! If I say something then it’s finished.”
Henderson’s Transfer Divides Fan Opinion
Henderson’s looming transfer has divided fan opinion, namely the hypocrisy that comes with moving to a region where homosexuality is illegal after years of championing and being an ally for the LGBTQ+ community. He is well within his rights to want to move on knowing game time will be limited at Liverpool, and the club are right to cash in for the 33-year-old, but it is a legacy chancing transfer, no doubt.
This all sets up a busy few weeks ahead for the club as they not only bid farewell to two midfield servants but also explore the transfer window for their replacements. Klopp will be hoping he can find suitable replacements for Henderson and Fabinho who can help Liverpool continue their success in the coming season.
The news of Henderson’s impending departure casts a shadow over Liverpool’s pre-season preparations and is sure to be a talking point among fans for some time to come. While it is understandable why Henderson and Fabinho would want to move on knowing their game time will be limited at Liverpool, it is still a difficult pill to swallow for many fans who have seen them play such an integral role in the club’s recent successes.
The club will now have to look for suitable replacements for Henderson and Fabinho who can help Liverpool continue their success in the coming season. It remains to be seen how they will fare in the transfer market, but Klopp will be hoping he can find suitable replacements who can help Liverpool maintain their impressive form.
The news of Henderson’s impending departure has certainly put a damper on Liverpool’s pre-season preparations and is sure to be a talking point among fans for some time to come. While it is understandable why Henderson and Fabinho would want to move on knowing their game time will be limited at Liverpool, it is still a difficult pill to swallow for many fans who have seen them play such an integral role in the club’s recent successes.
It remains to be seen how Liverpool will fare in the transfer market as they look for suitable replacements for Henderson and Fabinho who can help them continue their success in the coming season. Klopp will be hoping he can find suitable replacements who can help Liverpool maintain their impressive form and ensure that they remain competitive in the coming season.