Despite earlier reports indicating that club captain Jordan Henderson will sign a contract extension at Liverpool, James Pearce of the Athletic is now reporting quite the contrary.
According to Pearce, a significant uncertainty has risen over the midfielder’s Anfield future with no progress made in two weeks of negotiations. The club is keen to avoid a repeat of the Georginio Wijnaldum situation, potentially opening the door for Henderson’s departure.
The news comes out of nowhere and as a shock to many; it seemed one of the guarantees in the Liverpool camp that Henderson would set the tone for other renewals. He is the captain, the leader and one of the most important parts of Jurgen Klopp’s machine. Losing him would be a disaster.
Liverpool Uncertain Over Jordan Henderson Contract Renewal
Power May Be Out of Klopp’s Hands
Similar to the Gini Wijnaldum situation, the power will likely be out of Jurgen Klopp’s hands if negotiations are made difficult by Henderson’s demands. According to Pearce, if this was Klopp’s call alone, then negotiations would be a formality and an agreement would’ve already been made.
Fenway Sports Group, the Liverpool owners, are eager to begin shaping the club for the future and believe that those at 31 like Henderson should not be offered long-term deals.
Wijnaldum, for example, never received his desired offer in regards to years before leaving to sign a three year deal with Paris Saint-Germain. FSG are desperate to ensure that the current squad does not grow old together, seeing 2022 as an opportunity for a refresh.
There is no denying how important Henderson is both on and off the pitch as a Liverpool player, and a contract should have been signed and sealed with ease. The fact is isn’t should cause large anxiety around Anfield. Add on that it is not a simple fix in regards to money, but instead the feeling of being wanted, and the situation becomes increasingly complicated.
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