West Ham United offered Jordan Henderson in January transfer window, club unhappy with former Liverpool captain
West Ham are one of the Premier League clubs that have been “made aware” the chance to sign former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson this month, according to Graeme Bailey.
The HITC journalist reported via the outlet’s website on 8 January that intermediaries have been “hard at work” over the previous weekend as they attempted to “offer” the England international to Premier League sides, as he is unhappy at Al-Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League.
The Steven Gerrard-managed club are also not pleased with the England international however, although they “would accept” a suitable offer, which is tipped to most likely be a loan-to-buy deal based on the triggering of certain requirements.
A return to Anfield was reportedly the first port of call for those looking to help the 33-year-old engineer a move, but Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham and Newcastle have also been approached, as well as Fulham and Crystal Palace.
In addition, European sides including Juventus, Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen were spoken to about a move this month.
Henderson’s exit from the Premier League in the summer proved controversial and led to criticism over his previous advocacy of LGBTQ+ rights [BBC Sport, 15 October], while he denied money was the sole motivation, or that he was being paid a widely reported £700,000-a-week [The Athletic, 5 September].
Not happening
Putting aside the off-pitch significance of his exit and the apparent climbdown that Henderson has now undergone as he looks to reverse that decision this doesn’t seem at all viable for West Ham this month.
Central midfield was the major priority in the summer when captain Declan Rice left for Arsenal, but the arrival of Edson Alvarez and James Ward-Prowse, plus a new contract for Tomas Soucek, seems to have that area largely covered.
With priorities in defence and attack that require more attention it is unlikely that Hammers representatives gave Henderson’s people much encouragement.
Whatever he is earning in the Middle East is bound to be significant even if it isn’t the best part of £1m each week, and with West Ham having to sell to buy this month there is surely no space on the wage bill to squeeze in a hefty loan contract.
There is likely to be a club in the Premier League or Europe who is interested enough to bring Henderson in but it is very hard to see it being the Hammers.
On paper he is in many ways an ideal David Moyes signing, as a highly-experienced domestic option with leadership qualities, on the pitch at least, but the manager would surely balk at the wages involved either way.
And it’s little surprise that Al-Ettifaq are said to be unhappy, since their most high-profile arrival wanting out already after such a heavily-scrutinised move is going to be bad for their ability to attract other signings.
In other West Ham news, the club have made contact over a deal to sign a new centre-back this month.