Jordan Henderson’s move last summer to Saudi club Al-Ettifaq raised many eyebrows, with Liverpool’s former captain seeming like the type of player to see out the latter stages of his career in his home nation.
After just six months in the Middle East, Henderson has made the move to Dutch giants Ajax for what is likely to be a massive pay cut after failing to settle away from Europe. However, he isn’t the first Liverpool star to find out that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side
Philippe Coutinho
Once hailed as the “Little Magician” at Liverpool, Philippe Coutinho’s departure in January 2018 marked the beginning of a downward spiral in his career. The Brazilian playmaker, known for his flair and creativity, made a high-profile move to Barcelona in a deal worth over £140m. However, Coutinho struggled to replicate his Anfield form in Spain. Struggling with injuries, loss of confidence, and tactical mismatches, Coutinho found himself on the fringes at Barcelona.
Loaned out to Bayern Munich for the 2019-2020 season, Coutinho experienced a brief resurgence, contributing to Bayern’s treble-winning campaign. Despite the success, the German giants opted against making the deal permanent, and Coutinho returned to Barcelona. His subsequent loan move to Aston Villa in the Premier League failed to reignite his career, leaving fans wondering about the enigma that was once Philippe Coutinho.
Fernando Torres
Fernando Torres, a Liverpool icon, made a controversial move to Chelsea in 2011 for a then-British record transfer fee of £50m. At Liverpool, Torres had been a lethal striker, but injuries and loss of form plagued his time at Stamford Bridge. Torres struggled to justify his hefty price tag, facing criticism for his diminishing goal-scoring prowess.
Despite winning the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, and FA Cup with Chelsea, Torres never recaptured the electrifying form he displayed in his Liverpool days.
Michael Owen
Once the golden boy of English football, Michael Owen’s departure from Liverpool in 2004 marked the beginning of a decline that saw him struggle to match his earlier achievements. Joining Real Madrid, Owen failed to secure a regular spot in the starting lineup, hampered by injuries and fierce competition. Subsequent moves to Newcastle United, Manchester United, and Stoke City failed to revive his career.
