The mass migration of Europe’s finest to Saudi Arabia this summer shows no signs of stopping with even the less heralded clubs now getting into the act. A massive pay packet on offer has reportedly seduced Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson and is close to joining Al Ettifaq, managed by former teammate Steven Gerrard. Jordan Henderson’s wages have become a big talking point since reports of this news broke out.
So, how much are Jordan Henderson’s wages at Liverpool, and what is the amount offered by Al Ettifaq? Here’s all you need to know
Jordan Henderson wages at Liverpool
Henderson signed a new contract at Liverpool in 2021 to run for four years. Jordan Henderson’s wages in this new contract are reportedly £140k/week, which comes to an annual figure of about £7.3 million.
At Liverpool, Jordan Henderson’s wages are the seventh-highest, with Mohamed Salah, Virgil Van Dijk, Thiago, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Fabinho, and Alisson earning more than him.
Among that batch, Salah ranks the highest, with his contract netting him £350k/week.
However, Jordan Henderson’s wages at Al Ettifaq, if he chooses to accept the offer, would shoot past it.
Al Ettifaq’s offer to Jordan Henderson
Steven Gerrard’s side have reportedly offered to make the Liverpool captain the highest earner in their history with a mammoth £700k/week offer.
The contracts being offered by Saudi clubs to players this summer have led to a trend where top players moving to the Gulf state isn’t an anomaly anymore.
Still, this offer to Henderson, who turns 33 soon, ranks as one of the biggest on offer.
At an annual cost of nearly £35 million, it would double the wages Mohamed Salah gets at Liverpool.
Combine that with more lax rules related to tax, Henderson will arguably become a member of the top 10 highest-earning footballers in the world.
That list is led by Cristiano Ronaldo, who, in many ways, started the trend of superstars moving to Saudi.
That move is looking more like a norm than an exception to it as more and more elite players take the same path.
Should Henderson join Al Ettifaq?
The lure for Henderson is two-fold.
Firstly, the money speaks for itself. Footballers have short and uncertain careers and a contract like this will set him and his future generations up for life.
Secondly, the sporting angle is where their coach comes into the picture.
Al Ettifaq managed to secure Steven Gerrard as the manager recently and there is obvious history with Henderson.
The current Liverpool captain was the heir apparent to Gerrard at Anfield and has served the club with class and distinction.
Furthermore, the quality of the Saudi league will take a huge jump forward with all the famous players who have, and can, join Saudi Pro League soon.
The one sticking point of the move will be the court of public opinion.
Henderson has been praised for his outspokenness on issues like rights for the LGBTQ community and in the current state, Saudi Arabia is not exactly a great example for such issues.
His going to Saudi Arabia will undoubtedly raise eyebrows about his motivation and his sincerity regarding these issues.
However, ultimately, the decision lies in his hands and he can hardly be blamed for managing to almost quadruple his wages at an age where most footballers are happy if the pay cut is not huge.