Former Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor believes Liverpool are ‘playing it Right’ in the contract impasse with captain Jordan Henderson.
Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson is an influential figure at Anfield. Under his captaincy, the club were crowned Premier League winners after a 30-year wait while also winning the Champions League. Fans have been concerned about their captain’s contractual situation, especially after losing Georgino Wijnaldum earlier.
The concerns rose after reported talks stalled between the club and Henderson over a new contract. Fans fear he might leave on a free in two years or could move this summer. Quite naturally, there’s plenty of interest in the England midfielder, with Arsenal also reportedly in the chase.
Henderson was present in the England squad, which reached the UEFA Euro 2020 final but hardly played a part due to ongoing fitness issues. The injury last season, which he carried through the Euros, has played a significant role in dialogues over his new contract.
However, former Aston Villa forward Gabriel Agbonlahor has suggested fans need not worry too much about the situation. If Henderson is to leave the club on a free, it will be beneficial to Liverpool. The former player has praised the club for their stance on the matter and not bowing down to demands from the player.
Merseyside publication Liverpool Echo published quotes from the former striker’s conversation with Football Insider. Agbonlahor said, “He’s got two years left, and he’ll be 33 when the two years are done. We’re not talking about a player who will be 25 when the two years are done. I don’t see any problem in Liverpool not signing him up yet. There’s no rush. It’s not a problem.
“There’s a lot of football to be played in the next two years, and we’ve seen Henderson struggle with some injuries. Liverpool are probably thinking, ‘Let’s wait and see how he does in the next 18 months, then we’ve got a decision to make.’ A central-midfielder at 33, there’s a lot of running in there. I think Liverpool are playing it right.
“He could leave like Wijnaldum, but maybe that would suit Liverpool. You don’t know what his form is going to be like in two years. Your legs get a bit slower when you get to 32, 33. I’m sure if Liverpool really wants to keep Jordan Henderson, they’ll offer him a deal, and he’ll want to stay there; he’s been there over 10 years now,” he added
Agbonlahor is of the belief that Liverpool are in the driving seat and shifts the focus solely on Henderson to see if the player genuinely desires to play for the club. However, this transfer saga is of no immediate issue to the Anfield side, with two years still left on the midfielder’s deal.
But, if there is reasonable interest and Henderson remains unhappy about the contract situation, we might see a sale. The midfielder is a beloved figure among Liverpool fans, and at this time, they will certainly be unhappy seeing their captain leave.
