The 20-year-old England international passed a medical and agreed personal terms with the club on Thursday in a deal reported to be worth £20m. Henderson, the club’s first summer signing, signed what Liverpool described as ‘a long-term deal’. The midfielder, whose one and only cap for England came last November against France, has now joined the England Under-21 squad in Denmark ahead of the European Championship.
The Black Cats had rejected Liverpool’s previous offer for the player, which was thought to be worth £16m. Striker David Ngog, 22, could move in the opposite direction as part of the deal, but that is yet to be confirmed.Henderson will provide competition in the Reds’ midfield, which already boasts internationals Steven Gerrard, Lucas Leiva, Raul Meireles and Christian Poulsen. The Sunderland-born Henderson, who had a loan spell at Coventry City early in his career, signed a five-year contract at the Stadium of Light in April 2010. He came to prominence as Steve Bruce’s Black Cats made a fine start to the season and was rewarded with an England call-up by coach Fabio Capello.
Though his form dipped as Sunderland struggled in the second half of the campaign, Henderson is still regarded as one of England’s brightest young prospects. Manchester United had been regarded as the long-time favourites to sign Henderson after he made an outstanding start to last season, but their interest cooled and manager Sir Alex Ferguson has moved on to other midfield targets.
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