Liverpool announced Jordan Henderson’s new contract to appease fans on deadline day, according to Alan Hutton.
The Reds skipper signed a new four-year deal, keeping him at Anfield until 2025 and the news was released on August 31.
After making only one signing this summer, bringing in centre-back Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig for a £36million fee, former Rangers and Aston Villa defender Hutton claims the announcement could have been made to offset any fan disappointment.
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The 36-year-old believes Henderson committing his future to the club is a great signing for Liverpool but understands why supporters might be disappointed at a lack of new arrivals as Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City all signed attacking talent to bolster their frontlines.
Speaking to Football Insider , Hutton said of Henderson’s contract news: “It seems a little bit as if they released it realising they weren’t going to bring anyone in. So they thought we’ll just release this contract news.
“I think he’s a massive player for them, he makes a huge difference. I was at the Burnley game and he absolutely ran the midfield.
“He’s not going to score you 15 goals or get you 15 assists but he does the dirty stuff and does it really well.
“He keeps them ticking and moves them up the pitch. He’s a leader and you miss him when he’s not there. I think it’s a fantastic signing.
“The fans are just a little bit unhappy because they didn’t see a lot of movement coming in the door.
“It was brilliant to sign Henderson to a long-term team deal but they probably just wanted a big name when they saw all the other teams bringing in all that talent.”
Henderson, who turned 31 in June, didn’t feature in the opening day win at Norwich after being part of the England squad that reached the Euro 2020 final but did play against Burnley and Chelsea and is closing in on 300 Premier League appearances for the Reds.
