Jordan Henderson’s Al Ettifaq witness surprising attendance figures: Fewer fans than 18 League One clubs

In a surprising turn of events, Jordan Henderson’s move to Al Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League has revealed some interesting statistics about the club’s fan support. The Liverpool skipper’s transfer, valued at £12 million plus add-ons, has thrust him into a new environment with a reported weekly wage that is four times higher than his previous earnings at Anfield.

Henderson’s departure from Liverpool was met with mixed emotions as he leaves behind a legacy of seven major trophies, including the coveted Champions League and the club’s first Premier League title in 30 years. During his time at Liverpool, the 33-year-old made 492 appearances, scoring 33 goals, and providing 57 assists.

Now, Henderson finds himself under the management of former teammate and Liverpool icon, Steven Gerrard, at Al Ettifaq. However, adapting to his new surroundings may be a challenge for the experienced midfielder.

One notable aspect that stands out is the vast difference in attendance figures between Al Ettifaq and several League One sides. As reported by The Athletic, Al Ettifaq’s average attendance last season was 5,561, a number that falls short compared to the fan bases of 18 League One clubs. It’s intriguing to note that this figure is roughly 200 spectators less than the average turnout at Wycombe Wanderers’ Adams Park.

The contrast becomes more apparent when comparing Al Ettifaq’s attendance with that of Derby County, who registered the highest average turnout in League One despite finishing in seventh place. The discrepancy is staggering, with Henderson’s new club drawing almost five times fewer spectators than the Derby County matches.

In contrast, clubs like Al Nassr thrive in front of large crowds and consistently challenge for prestigious trophies, including the AFC Champions League. Al Ettifaq, on the other hand, remains a more modest outfit, aiming to build momentum and attract more fans under the influence of their new star player, Jordan Henderson.

As the 26,000-capacity Prince Mohammed Bin Fahd Stadium awaits the arrival of the English midfielder, Al Nassr will undoubtedly hope that Henderson’s presence will spark an increase in attendance figures and elevate the club’s position in the Saudi Pro League. However, it remains to be seen how quickly Henderson and Al Ettifaq can acclimate to this new chapter in their respective careers.