Jürgen Klopp has gone into the summer transfer market after his most successful season ever at Liverpool. And with deals for some big names already secure, it is clear that the German means business. With a few tweaks to the squad, the Reds will be ready to bounce back from their defeat in the Champions League final and fight to the end on all fronts. For this to happen, some mainstays may have to stand aside to let bigger names come in. One player who could be forced to make way is Jordan Henderson.
As Klopp continues to rebuild Liverpool into a fearsome unit, memories of past failures are drifting away at Anfield. Many of the players signed by previous managers have moved on, with only a few remaining. Henderson is one player from Kenny Dalglish’s last reign as manager who has thus far survived under Klopp. As the club captain, the former Sunderland man has become a key figure in his years on Merseyside. But he is still a midfielder who divides opinion. There is no doubt that the 28-year-old is talented and can be a useful player, but is he truly world class?
Klopp has already brought in two reinforcements this summer to strengthen in the middle of the park. RB Leipzig’s Naby Keita agreed a deal with Liverpool last year and will join up with them for the start of the new campaign. The Guinea national team captain is a box to box midfielder who has been compared to the likes of N’Golo Kante and Deco. The other new addition is Monaco’s Fabinho, who the Reds have signed for £43.7 million. The Brazilian is a holding midfielder who many would see as an upgrade on Henderson. Both of these stars are likely to push for starting berths upon joining, which could subsequently see Henderson relegated to the bench.
Manchester City are the favourites to win the Premier League again next season, after storming to the title in 2017-18. But with these additions coming in and players like Mohamed Salah now well-settled, Liverpool could easily challenge. No team has successfully defended a title since Manchester United won the league three seasons in a row between 2006 and 2009. Therefore, backing Klopp’s growing team of stars could be shrewd.
There’s no doubt that most fans would love to see Henderson stay at Anfield, but would the England international be happy playing second fiddle to the new signings? There are certainly a number of teams in the top flight who would love a player of Henderson’s quality and would be able to offer him secured starts.
Henderson has been a vital cog in Liverpool’s machine for the last few seasons, but Klopp realises that if his side are to challenge at the highest level they need superstars throughout. With big-name additions on the way in, the man who signed for the Anfield club in 2011 may soon become a peripheral figure.
