Jordan Henderson has accepted Al Ettifaq proposal and is considering ending his 12-year Liverpool career. He has agreed personal terms with the Saudi club over a lucrative offer. It's said by many journalists that Steven Gerrard specifically asked for it to happen.
Henderson has agreed personal terms with Saudi club, Al Ettifaq. (Photo by Getty Images).
Al Ettifaq was making a determined effort to sign the Liverpool captain, who was initially reluctant to leave Anfield and relocate to the Middle East with his family. The 33-year-old, however, has now accepted an offer of a two-year contract that would double his £200,000-a-week Liverpool wage and also includes the option of a third year as per Fabrizio Romano.
🚨 BREAKING: Jordan Henderson has accepted Al Ettifaq proposal. There’s verbal agreement in principle. Contract agreed.
Deal now depends on Liverpool and Al Ettifaq discussing on the fee, no chance to let him leave for free 🇸🇦
Liverpool have not received a formal bid from the Saudi Arabian club but one is expected, possibly within days, now that Henderson has indicated that he is receptive to the shock transfer. The midfielder has made this decision after holding talks with Jürgen Klopp this week over his prospects of featuring regularly for Liverpool next season, the outcome of which have also shaped the long-serving captain's decision.
Henderson has made 43 appearances for Liverpool last season and has two years remaining on his contract. He would remaij an invaluable leader on and off the pitch for Klopp, who has seen former vice-captain James Milner depart for Brighton this summer. Naby Keïta and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have also exited on free transfers.
Why's Henderson leaving?
The arrival of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, for £35m and £60m respectively, will intensify competition for places in Liverpool's midfield and Klopp currently has nine midfielders at his disposal. Trent Alexander-Arnold's successful switch to a hybrid midfield role towards the end of last season, plus the impressive development of Curtis Jones and Stefan Bajcetic, has also enhanced Liverpool's options.
Leeds United and Burnley secure promotion to the Premier League - Latest football news
Leeds United and Burnley have secured promotion to the Premier League for the next season after confirming the top places in the EFL Championship this season.
Leeds United and Burnley have secured promotion to the Premier League for the next season after confirming the top places in the EFL Championship this season on Monday.
Leeds, who last played in the Premier League in the 2022/23 season, will return to the top flight after beating Stoke City by 6-0. Joel Piroe scored four goals for Daniel Farke's Whites to have a chance to secure the automatic promotion.
Piroe is now leading the race for the Championship Golden Boot with 19 goals, two ahead of his next competitor, Norwich City's Borja Sainz.
Burnley beat Sheffield United by 2-1
Josh Brownhill's first-half brace was enough for Burnley to secure an easy 2-1 win over the Blades
But Leeds needed Sheffield United to drop points at Turf Moor against Burnley later. Josh Brownhill's first-half brace was enough for Burnley to secure an easy 2-1 win over the Blades as both Clarets and the Whites confirmed their Premier League return.
Burnley (W19 D11) are now just the second team in Championship history to go 30 consecutive games without losing after Reading (33) between August 2005 and February 2006.
Burnley, who played in the Premier League in the 2023/24 season, will return to the Premier League after a gap of one season. This means that this would be the third time Burnley head coach Scott Parker has secured promotion with a Championship side. Parker had taken Fulham to the Premier League in 2019/20 and AFC Bournemouth in 2021/22.
With Leeds' promotion, the Premier League will see the return of Daniel Farke, who coached Norwich City for 49 games in the top flight in two stints in 2018/19 and 2020/21.
Teams finishing third to sixth in the Championship points table will compete in the playoffs, before the mega final at Wembley Stadium. The winner of the final will finish in third place to earn a promotion to the Premier League alongside Leeds United and Burnley FC.
Last season, Real Madrid went on to win the UEFA Champions League for a record 15th time. As we inch closer to this season's final, we take a look at the Champions League winners list since 1956.
The Champions League was earlier called the European Cup, and it started in 1955, and the first winner was Real Madrid. For the next 5 years, Real Madrid did not let anyone get close to the trophy.
Since then, 23 teams have won the glory, with Manchester City being the most recent one. As we get close to another UEFA Champions League final, we take a look at the Champions League winners list since 1965.
Real Madrid with their 15th UCL title in 2023-24 season.
The Champions League winners list since 1955/56 is:
1956 - Real Madrid 1957 - Real Madrid 1958 - Real Madrid 1959 - Real Madrid 1960 - Real Madrid 1961 - Benfica 1962 - Benfica 1963 - AC Milan 1964 - Inter Milan 1965 - Inter Milan 1966 - Real Madrid 1967 - Celtic 1968 - Manchester United 1969- AC Milan 1970- Feyenoord 1971 - Ajax 1972 - Ajax 1973 - Ajax 1974 - Bayern 1975 - Bayern 1976 - Bayern 1977 - Liverpool 1978 - Liverpool 1979 - Nottingham Forest 1980 - Nottingham Forest 1981 - Liverpool 1982 - Aston Villa 1983 - Hamburger SV| 1984 - Liverpool 1985 - Juventus FC 1986 - Steaua București 1987 - FC Porto 1988 - PSV 1989 - AC Milan 1990 - AC Milan 1991 - Red Star Belgrade 1992 - Barcelona 1993 - Olympique de Marseille 1994 - AC Milan 1995 - Ajax 1996 - Juventus FC 1997 - Borussia Dortmund 1998 - Real Madrid 1999 - Manchester United 2000 - Real Madrid 2001 - Bayern 2002 - Real Madrid 2003 - AC Milan 2004 - Porto 2005 - Liverpool 2006 - Barcelona 2007 - AC Milan 2008 - Manchester United 2009 - Barcelona 2010 - Inter Milan 2011 - Barcelona 2012 - Chelsea FC 2013 - Bayern Munich 2014 - Real Madrid 2015 - Barcelona 2016 - Real Madrid 2017 - Real Madrid 2018 - Real Madrid 2019 - Liverpool 2020 - Bayern Munich 2021 - Chelsea FC 2022 - Real Madrid 2023 - Manchester City 2024 - Real Madrid
Let's have a look at the teams with the most trophies since 1955/56:
Real Madrid x 15 AC Milan x 7 Bayern x 6 Liverpool FC x 6 FC Barcelona x 5 Ajax x 4 Inter x 3 Manchester United x 3 Juventus x 2 Benfica x 2 Nottingham Forest x 2 Porto x 2 Chelsea x 3 Celtic x 1 Hamburger SV x 1 Steaua București x 1 Olympique de Marseille x 1 Borussia Dortmund x 1 Feyenoord x 1 Aston Villa x 1 PSV x 1 Red Star Belgrade x 1 Manchester City x 1
Manchester United edged out Lyon 5-4 in a thrilling Europa League 2024-25 Quarter-final second leg, advancing to the semifinals. Check out the ties with the most goals in a Europa League knockout round.
The Red Devils also became the first-ever European team to score two goals in the 120th minute of a major European match, which completed a supernatural comeback for them at the Theatre of Dreams.
A total of 13 goals from both sides defined their destiny, as Manchester United have sealed their passage to the semis, whereas Lyon's continental journey has come to an end.
In this article, we explore the list of Europa League knockout ties for the most goals scored.
Rangers earned a gloriously chaotic 9-5 aggregate win over Royal Antwerp in the Round of 32, which is still the highest-scoring two-legged tie in the UEFA Cup/Europa League knockout round.
14 - Rangers 9-5 Royal Antwerp is the highest-scoring two-legged tie in the UEFA Cup/Europa League since Helsingborgs 8-6 Heerenveen in the 2007-08 first round. Entertainment. pic.twitter.com/frch3j5pq4
Rangers defeated Antwerp 4-3 in the first leg encounter at the Bosulistadion in Belgium, securing a slender lead in the tie. The second leg turned out to be an absolute rampage as the Scottish side netted four second-half goals at the Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow, winning 5-2 and securing their qualification to the next round of the competition.
13 Goals | Porto 10-3 Spartak Moskva (2010/11)
(Image Credit | UEFA)
FC Porto displayed absolute domination over Spartak Moskva in the 2010-11 Europa League quarter-finals, beating them 10-3 on aggregate.
Porto, who also became the eventual champions of the edition, crushed Spartak in the very first leg at home, beating them 5-1 at Estádio do Dragão in Portugal. The second leg also saw the André Villas-Boas-coached Porto side dominating the Russian team, beating them 5-2 at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.
13 Goals | Lyon 11-2 AZ Alkmaar (2016/17)
(Image Credit | UEFA)
Olympique Lyonnais ran riot over AZ Alkmaar in the 2016-17 Europa League Round of 32, beating the Dutch side 11-2 over two legs.
Lyon defeated AZ 4-1 in the first leg, played away at the AFAS Stadion in the Netherlands. In the return leg at OL Stadium, the French outfit went ruthless against AZ, earning a massive 7-1 victory at home.
13 Goals | Manchester United 8-5 Roma (2020/21)
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Last night was not the first time that Manchester United took part in a goals galore, as they thrashed AS Roma8-5 on aggregate in the 2020-21 UEL semi-finals.
Man United practically secured their passage to the final with a magnificent 6-2 win in the first leg, scoring five goals in the second half at Old Trafford. The next game at the Olimpico Stadium in Rome ended in a 3-2 win for Roma. However, United entered the final.
This was also the last time the Red Devils qualified for a European competition final, though they lost to Villareal in a gut-wrenching penalty shoot-out.
13 Goals | Liverpool 11-2 Sparta Praha (2023/24)
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Liverpool had a resounding victory over Sparta Praha, beating them 11-2 over two legs in last season's UEL Round of 16.
9 - Liverpool progressed past Sparta Prague 11-2 on aggregate; their biggest margin of victory over a two-legged tie in European football since the 1980-81 campaign against Finnish side OPS (also 11-2 on aggregate, in the European Cup first round). Cruise. pic.twitter.com/ZeTSkpEZoc
In the first leg at Stadion Letná in Prague, the Reds earned a brilliant 5-1 victory, securing a massive four-goal cushion in the tie. In the second leg at Anfield, Liverpool dismantled the Czech side, thrashing them 6-1 at home to qualify for the quarter-finals.
However, the English side's campaign ended after losing to eventual champions Atalanta in the quarters.
13 Goals |Manchester United 7-6 Lyon (2024/25)
(Image Source | Givemesport)
Manchester United and Olympique Lyonnais have gifted us one of the most memorable Europa League knockout ties this season, as the Red Devils were through to the semi-finals after a knife-edge 7-6 victory over two legs in the quarter-finals.
A comeback for the ages at Old Trafford.
Manchester United, who trailed 10-man Lyon 4-2 with six minutes remaining, win 5-4 on the night and 7-6 on aggregate thanks to Harry Maguire's late winner.
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) April 17, 2025
Rayan Cherki's last-minute strike salvaged a 2-2 draw at home for Lyon against United in the first leg played at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais in France. The return leg was absolute cinema, as Manchester United's 2-0 lead at the break was overcome by Lyon as they scored four until the break of the added extra time.
However, Kobie Mainoo and Harry Maguire netted two goals after the 120th minute to fire Manchester United into the Europa League semi-finals, winning the game by 5-4.
Manchester United are reportedly preparing for a massive summer signing as they eye the services of star Olympique Lyonnais forward Rayan Cherki.
The Red Devils are interested in strengthening their squad, and they have now joined the race to sign the gifted French under-21 forward, after it was reported that Lyon is willing to sell the player for approximately £20 million.
Manchester United are adamant to turn things around
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In a difficult ongoing campaign this season, Manchester United have registered a record low point total in the Premier League, sitting on 38 points.
With only 6 games remaining to play for, the call for new talent has never been greater inside the club. Cherki, widely considered one of the most talented players in the world at this moment, has been identified as a top target for the club's Portuguese manager, Ruben Amorim.
The various reports point out Cherki's great talent and his undeniable potential to shape games at the highest level. He has performed marvelously on the field in this season alone, achieving great statistics that would upgrade any team.
Cherki's display has attracted United's scouting department, particularly with the Red Devils' own challenges in creativity and attacking potency.
Cherki draws interest from Red Devils' management
Cherki scored a late equalizer against Man United. (Image Source | X)
At only the age of 21, Rayan Cherki has already become a familiar name in French and world football, and this season was his coming-out party.
His record of 13 goals from 23 appearances for France's U-21 team says volumes about his talent. Although Manchester United is still keen on signing him, the negotiating table will have to wait until the next summer transfer window, especially after facing Lyon in the Europa League.
By the way, Cherki's last-minute equalizer in the first leg of the UEFA Europa Leaguequarter-final matchupsaved Lyon a 2-2 draw at home against United last week.
With Cherki catching headlines in Ligue 1, only time will tell how Lyon will deal with a possible transfer. United's desire is obvious, and if properly negotiated, Cherki's signing at Old Trafford may commence a new era for the club's attacking prowess.
Every Premier League club’s biggest Free Transfer Exit
With Trent Alexander-Arnold reportedly getting closer to leaving Liverpool and joining Real Madrid on a free transfer, we explore the biggest free transfer exit for each of the 20 Premier League sides.
There have been a few massive Bosman moves over the years, and Alexander-Arnold would be the biggest ever to leave a Premier League club. Also, If he actually pens down to a move to Los Blancos, he would definitely replace an old teammate as the biggest in the Reds' Premier League record.
In this article, we explore the biggest free transfer exits for each of the 20 Premier League clubs.
Following eight long years at the North London club, Aaron Ramsey departed Arsenal on a free transfer in July 2019 to sign for Juventus.
Ramsey's departure was disappointing but no one could question him; the wages Juventus offered him were astronomical.
Aston Villa: Thomas Hitzlsperger
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Thomas Hitzlsperger, renowned as 'Der Hammer', departed Aston Villa to change sides with VfB Stuttgart in July 2005 on a free transfer.
However, he returned to England five years later, signing with West Ham United in July 2010 and spending most of 2012/13 at Everton.
Bournemouth: Jefferson Lerma
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Even though Lerma's exit was hardly convenient for Bournemouth in the build-up to returning to the top flight, it was a huge loss for them.
He was a key figure in the Cherries' midfield and has proved to be an inspirational free transfer recruit for Crystal Palace in July 2023.
Brentford: Christian Eriksen
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The former Tottenham Hotspur midfield maestro was forced out of Serie A following his cardiac arrest at Euro 2020 and Brentford gave him a return to the Premier League, which was absolutely ideal in all respects.
Though he was desperate to retain him beyond the six-month deal he signed in January 2022, Brentford were unable to persuade Eriksen to put pen to paper, and the midfielder joined Manchester United.
Brighton: Jose Izquierdo
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Jose Izquierdo departed Brighton to join Club Brugge in the Summer of 2021 on a free transfer.
The Colombian winger's stay in Belgium, however, was brief, as he retired in 2022 soon after being released by Brugge.
Chelsea: Antonio Rudiger
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Thiago Silva, Andreas Christensen, Willian, Joe Cole, Michael Ballack, N'Golo Kante, Hernan Crespo, Nicolas Anelka, Andriy Shevchenko… Chelsea have a long list in this context to choose from.
Missing out on a top Antonio Rudiger would have hurt, though. The German centre-back was at Stamford Bridge for five years before he was roped in by Real Madrid in the Summer of 2022.
Crystal Palace: Wilfried Zaha
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Zaha is undoubtedly Palace's all-time best player. He departed when his deal ran out in the summer of 2023, signing for Turkish giants Galatasaray in a bold switch for Champions League action.
After years of transfer rumors that had him joining Arsenal, Zaha failed to sparkle in Turkey and was sent out on loan to French club Lyon after one season. That did not quite work out either, and he is now playing for Charlotte FC in the MLS.
Everton: Wayne Rooney
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Not the first time, as that was for a transfer fee, but the second time, Wayne Rooney departed Everton is likely their biggest Bosman loss of the Premier League era.
Rooney netted a staggering ten goals in 30 league games in 2017/18. His departure from Goodison Park was not only felt, but his arrival in America to play for D.C. United was shocking as well.
Fulham: Tosin Adarabioyo
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Fulham messed up by allowing Moussa Dembele to move to Celtic, but that is a regret rather than a huge transfer. Tosin Adarabioyo departed the Cottagers for London rivals Chelsea in the summer of last year, during his peak years.
Ipswich: Sylvain Legwinski
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Sylvain Legwinski, a former French midfielder, left Ipswich Town following the 2007/08 season and did not join a club until April of the following year before having a couple of months at St. Neots Town.
Leicester City: Youri Tielemans
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Caglar Soyuncu was a tragic loss, but nothing is close to Tielemans' departure at the end of the 2022/23 season.
The Belgian departed a club legend, having left with his FA Cup final goal in 2021. He was reportedly linked to Arsenal for ages before ending up with Aston Villa. Having had a struggling first year with Unai Emery, Tielemans is once again one of the top midfielders in the Premier League.
Liverpool: Georginio Wijnaldum
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Liverpool lost Wijnaldum to Paris Saint-Germain in a 2021 summer transfer window that also saw the signings of Lionel Messi, Gianluigi Donnarumma, and Sergio Ramos. It is little wonder that Wijnaldum's signing was overshadowed.
Manchester City: Ilkay Gundogan
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Alongside Erling Haaland and KDB, Gundogan was likely City's most crucial player in their Treble-winning 2022/23 season, with his final task as City captain being to hold aloft the Champions League trophy.
But after a year at his dream destination, Barcelona, the German midfielder renewed his connection to City, signing for the club in 2024.
Manchester United: Paul Pogba
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Pogba's experience at Manchester United was marred by debate. On His Day, he was a world beater. For the Red Devils' misfortune, he was quite literally only ever On His Day for France.
The best part of it all is that Man United let Pogba join Juventus for nothing in 2012, re-signed him for a world-record £89 million four years later, and then let him join Juventus for another free transfer in 2022.
Newcastle United: Jonas Gutierrez
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Gutierrez's departure in 2015 was typical of what Newcastle were like under Mike Ashley's ownership.
The Argentine preserved the Magpies in the Premier League after returning to the squad after suffering from cancer and wound up being let go over the telephone by John Carver.
Nottingham Forest: Stuart Pearce
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Following being at the club for 12 years, Pearce left on a Bosman move in 1997.
It was a miserable last season for Pearce, who took caretaker player-manager duties after Frank Clark's resignation. The job eventually shared with Dave Bassett, Forest slipped and a 35-year-old Pearce desired to be released, whereupon he became Newcastle United.
Southampton: Stuart Armstrong
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Stuart Armstrong departed from Southampton on a free transfer in September 2024 and signed for the Vancouver Whitecaps.
His contract at Southampton had run out at an earlier stage that summer. He was then signed as a Designated Player by the Whitecaps.
Tottenham Hotspur: Sol Campbell
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The greatest free transfer in Premier League history. The 'Big Sol' called an unexpected press conference, revealing his incredible transfer from Spurs to Arsenal in 2001, leaving everyone in sheer shock.
Campbell had already informed fans that he was remaining but rejected the opportunity to become the Spurs' best-paid player to achieve his ambition of playing in the Champions League. There was nothing to suggest Arsenal were even in the running for his signature, but stunned reporters watched the sensational and iconic unveiling.
Campbell went on to become an Arsenal legend and an integral part of the Arsenal Invicibles.
West Ham: Ben Johnson
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West Ham lost their academy gem, defender Ben Johnson, to Ipswich Town on a free transfer in July 2024.
Wolves: Adama Traore
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The Adama's future was the subject for ages' worth of talk. Spurs were in the running for a while, and most expected a switch to a big club when his Wolves deal ran out in 2023. Unfortunately, he signed for Fulham.
Wolves might have received a reasonable price for the Spanish midfielder but were unfortunate to lose him on a free transfer.
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