Liverpool began transfer deadline day with the announcement that Jordan Henderson has signed a new four-year contract, which prompted a cynical response from fans.
The Reds are not expected to be busy ahead of Tuesday’s 11pm deadline, aside from a handful of departures, the majority of which are academy youngsters.
But the club provided good news just over 13 hours before the transfer window closes in that Henderson has put pen to paper on a deal that keeps him at Anfield until 2025.
By that point, Henderson will be 35, which ensures he remains a Liverpool player through his peak years – which, he insists, he is just coming into.
Given the nature of modern football and how it is consumed, many supporters’ focus is tuned to transfers more so than the games themselves, which is unlikely to change as the years go by.
It is unsurprising, then, that with Roberto Firmino currently sidelined and the Reds arguably in need of a new midfielder and forward, response to the Henderson announcement was not wholly positive.
Many fans took to Twitter to point out the unfortunate – and certainly deliberate – timing of the news on deadline day:
Announcing a new contract for Henderson on transfer deadline day… pic.twitter.com/ZRPPXbB9RE
— Gareth Roberts (@robbohuyton) August 31, 2021
Jordan Henderson staying at Liverpool is good news. Announcing this agreement on transfer deadline day is an *interesting* move.
— Simon Hughes (@Simon_Hughes__) August 31, 2021
Announcing Henderson's new deal on deadline day, when no signings are clearly going to be made, is a bold move.
I'm delighted with the news, don't get me wrong, but it's not going to be met with the overriding positivity it deserves, and rightly so.
— Henry Jackson (@HenryJackson87) August 31, 2021
Great to have Henderson's situation resolved, not so great for the club to use him as a pawn on transfer deadline day.
— Matt Ladson (@mattladson) August 31, 2021
Henderson’s deal was agreed in principle 2 weeks ago.
Why wait til deadline day to announce!?!
— ??????? ?????? (@AnfieldEffect) August 31, 2021
Happy for Henderson but it was so obvious that was going to happen. Announce a contract that’s been agreed for weeks on deadline day to distract fans from no signings. They’ve been drip feeding contracts all summer. PR is unmatched
— Hannah (@hannahsian1998) August 31, 2021
https://twitter.com/AaronDaniels__/status/1432622341243211776
FSG announcing Henderson on deadline day pic.twitter.com/wZXewXVqmG
— Blayne (@badopinionsguy_) August 31, 2021
LIKE A NEW SIGNING https://t.co/VRPEqNOPzJ
— Tom McMahon (@tomjpmac) August 31, 2021
Obviously good news.
Bit cynical, like, even by their standards. https://t.co/dUD9gckUlu
— Steven Kelly (@SteKelly198586) August 31, 2021
Pencil in Mo's contract extension for January 31st
— Guy Drinkel (@guydrinkel) August 31, 2021
The overall reaction to Henderson’s contract was mixed, with most fans welcoming the news but others questioning the length of the deal:
Whether everyone wants to acknowledge it or not, Jordan Henderson is still very much the heartbeat of this Liverpool side, fantastic news! https://t.co/yS67Shv5du
— Matty (@MattySixTimes) August 31, 2021
I know people will say it's just a distraction tactic from transfer news.
Maybe it is.
But Jordan Henderson signing a new contract is still brilliant news.
Our captain, our leader. He sets the tone for so much of what we do.
Don't send any negative messages his way.
— LFC Tweets (@30YearsRed) August 31, 2021
Great news. Jordan Henderson has signed a new long-term deal at #LFC. He has extended his Anfield commitment to 2025.
Convenient its announced on #TransferDeadlineDay to cover up, nothing else will happen today? I hope I'm wrong! ?— Mark Fleet (@mfleety) August 31, 2021
A four-year deal for Henderson? That's insane. pic.twitter.com/5PzImTGtOA
— Sam McGuire (@SamMcGuire90) August 31, 2021
It's summer 2024 and Liverpool fans have been told they just have to understand new signings arent possible this window because 35 yo Jordan Henderson's wage's are still on the books.
— Neil (@BurpleMan) August 31, 2021
A 4 year contract for an injury prone 31 year old might be the most un-moneyball decision in 7/8 years at #lfc
— Dan Kennett (@DanKennett) August 31, 2021
More money
More years
Diminishing performanceAwesome
— SimonBrundish (@SimonBrundish) August 31, 2021
It is certainly a difficult situation, as though Henderson’s contract is undoubtedly good news for Liverpool – as he is an excellent captain and a top-class player – there are caveats to consider.
There is still time for new additions on Merseyside, of course, but the announcement of an extended deal for the No. 14 is likely the big reveal out of the way early for deadline day.
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