Liverpool fans are furious with FSG as James Pearce and David Ornstein co-pen a report on Jordan Henderson’s future.
Before you go on and read the rest of this article, if you’ve got the time, re-watch this video that the club shared in June to celebrate the skipper.
His dad voiced over the video and it beautifully encapsulated what Jordan Henderson really means to Liverpool Football Club.
Here's to you, @JHenderson…❤️ pic.twitter.com/4Xp2xQxtgF
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) June 8, 2021
Now, James Pearce and David Ornstein have reported for The Athletic that although talks have taken place and are ongoing, no real progress has been made on an extension to Henderson’s Liverpool contract.
The line that has incensed supporters and driven yet another wedge between them and the club’s owners reads: “The reality is that Liverpool’s owner Fenway Sports Group (FSG) currently has bigger priorities to address in the squad.”
For me, it leaves a bitter taste in the mouth and is all too reminiscent of how Steven Gerrard left the club after being handed a pathetic contract offer by the American ownership just six months before his terms expired.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – MAY 16: Steven Gerrard of Liverpool applauds the Kop end after he Barclays Premier League match betrween Liverpool and Crystal Palace at Anfield on May 16, 2015 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Henderson, now 31, has spent 10 years with the Reds and has become one of the club’s most iconic captains and under Jurgen Klopp, brought the UEFA Champions League back to Anfield.
A year later, he became the first Liverpool captain in 30 years to win a league title and the first ever to lift the Premier League title for the club.
Now, I’ll be the first to admit that Henderson’s recent injury record is problematic and I’m not suggesting that Liverpool hand him a £200,000/week contract over five years.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 20: Jordan Henderson of Liverpool suffers a hamstring injury, during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Everton at Anfield on February 20, 2021 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
That said, if James Milner, who started just 11 times in the Premier League last season can earn £145,000 per week until his 36th birthday, there’s no reason why the club’s captain should not be able to.
FSG have already done so much to alienate fans and if they let Jordan Henderson leave by repeating their Gerrard mistake, they will never be forgiven.
The owners have done so well to ensure they keep their best players at the club but as the Athletic reports, Jurgen Klopp was desperate to keep Gini Wijnaldum but FSG refused to pay him what he was worth.
Liverpool fans are F U R I O U S
how does Adrian get a new contract but they can’t give Jordan Henderson one? it’s laughable.
— Scouser Chris (@ScouserChrisLFC) July 19, 2021
Jordan Henderson should retire at Liverpool, it's really as simple as that.
— DS8 🇭🇺 (@SzoboszlaiRole) July 19, 2021
Let me guess. Owners don't want to pay him the wages he wants
— An (@AnfieldAn) July 19, 2021
https://twitter.com/SamueILFC/status/1417021078241779712?s=20
I hate this club man, why would i wake up to this sort of news fgs https://t.co/7yTjcw28K6
— fagioli. (@bayowaaaa) July 19, 2021
Absolute joke this. https://t.co/cw6FgqODcg
— José (@Joseph_Ellis9) July 19, 2021
