Danny Murphy: Jordan Henderson has messed this up and his reputation is tarnished, the grass isn’t always greener

Jordan Henderson is proof that the grass isn’t always greener despite the riches on offer elsewhere.

That is the view of Liverpool cult hero Danny Murphy, who believes the ex-Reds skipper has ‘damaged’ his reputation as a result of his Saudi saga.

3

Al Ettifaq midfielder Henderson looks set to depart the club just months after joiningCredit: Getty

Henderson swapped Liverpool for Al Ettifaq last summer in a highly controversial transfer, where he announced his desire to grow the game in the Middle East.

But just six months on, the 33-year-old is poised to return to Europe as he closes in on a move to Ajax after agreeing to buy his way out of his contract.

The whole ordeal has been described as a ‘mess’ by talkSPORT pundit Murphy, who has claimed Henderson’s ordeal should be a lesson to other footballers.

Speaking on White and Jordan, Murphy said: “There might be a thought in his mind that by doing that [paying way out], he kind of rights the wrongs of people accusing him of the greed and the money that he went for in the first place.”

Commenting on a potential Ajax link-up, he remarked: “I think it’s probably as close to home as he can get. I don’t know if there are an abundance of offers on the table.

“I think if this is a lesson for others looking in from afar, really think hard about – depending on your financial situation, sometimes it’s a no-brainer.

“But he was wealthy anyway, and I think football contentment is a starting place for the rest of your life being happy.

“There might be something other people translate to their own life.

3

Henderson is believed to be closing in on a switch to Dutch giants AjaxCredit: Getty

“But Jordan here, he’s messed it up really.

“I don’t think from Liverpool fans’ perspective, but for a broad spectrum of football people, his character and his reputation has been damaged by this whole episode.”

Graeme Souness suggests what may be behind Jordan Henderson’s desire to leave Saudi Arabia after six months in the league

As for ex-Crystal Palace owner and talkSPORT host Simon Jordan, he believes that neither Henderson or Ettifaq have come out well from his move.

He stated: “I don’t think it’s a good look for either of them, the Saudi’s are very ambitious and they have every right to be.

“They have every right to promote their league and build it to give themselves an opportunity to compete in world football.

“They must be disappointed that one of the leading names that has gone over there from one the big English clubs, playing for his country, has decided that it’s not for him.

“Specifically when he’s gone out there with some ridiculous diatribe about the face that he wants to grow the game.

“The flip side of the question, is what does it make Jordan Henderson look like? Does it make him look like a man of substance?

3

Murphy believes that Henderson has damaged his reputationCredit: Getty

“Does it make him look like a man of character that overcomes adversity and ultimately shows you that when things aren’t going his way, that he’s capable of turning it around and making it better?

“I don’t think it’s great either way, it proves the point that the Saudi league have got a long way to go to be able to create the backdrop where the world’s best players will want to play in it.

“It also shows the indulged and pampered natures of the modern day footballer that the moment they don’t get what they want, they can change it.

“I’m surprised they [Ettifaq] have made it so easy for him.”