🗓️ On this day: In 2011, Jordan Henderson signed for Liverpool

On this day in 2011, Liverpool completed the signing of Jordan Henderson from Sunderland in a deal worth £16 million. Henderson, who was just 20 years old at the time, had caught the eye of Liverpool’s scouts with his impressive performances for Sunderland in the Premier League.

The move to Liverpool was a big step up for Henderson, who had grown up as a Sunderland fan and had spent his entire career up to that point at the club. However, he was excited by the prospect of playing for a club with such a rich history and tradition.

“Obviously it’s hard to leave your local club. I’m a Sunderland lad, I’ve supported them all my life,” Henderson said in an interview with the Liverpool website. “But this is a massive opportunity for me. I’m really excited by it. Coming to a massive club like Liverpool, there is always going to be competition. Hopefully, I can keep working hard, keep improving, and get my chance on the pitch.”

Henderson quickly settled into life at Liverpool and played an important role in his first season at the club, helping the team to win the League Cup in 2012. He was appointed vice-captain in September 2014 and then took over as captain the following year after Steven Gerrard’s departure.

Under Henderson’s leadership, Liverpool have enjoyed a period of great success, winning seven major trophies including the Premier League, Champions League, and FIFA Club World Cup. Henderson was named the Football Writers’ Association’s Footballer of the Year for the 2019-20 season as Liverpool ended a 30-year wait to become champions of England.

Henderson’s longevity at Liverpool is a testament to his ability and dedication. He has now played 492 games for the club, with only Jamie Carragher and Gerrard making more Premier League appearances for Liverpool. Henderson’s signing in 2011 has proved to be a shrewd piece of business by Liverpool and he has become a key figure both on and off the pitch for the club.