Georginio Wijnaldum is the new captain of Al-Ettifaq, the club from Saudi Arabia announced through official channels. The 33-year-old midfielder succeeds Jordan Henderson, who first wore the captain's armband but switched to Ajax last week.

Henderson moved from Liverpool to Al-Ettifaq last summer, who paid fourteen million euros for his services. The 81-time England international joined fellow countryman Steven Gerrard, who joined the Saudis three weeks before the arrival of Henderson.

Gerrard immediately gave Henderson the captaincy in Dammam, but the latter could not settle in Saudi Arabia and wanted to leave as soon as possible. The right leg left Al-Ettifaq behind after nineteen games and signed a contract with Ajax until mid-2026 last week.

Introducing your new #Ettifaq captain ?? ???? Gini Wijnaldum ©? pic.twitter.com/5tJDNyi9JT

— Ettifaq Club (@Ettifaq_EN) January 21, 2024

Due to the departure of Henderson, Gerrard had to look for a new captain and that was Wijnaldum. The 90-time international of the Dutch national team was more or less exiled from Paris Saint-Germain last summer and, after the European transfer window closed, opted for his money by signing a three-year contract in Saudi Arabia.

The Rotterdam-born midfielder is an undisputed basic player under Gerrard and has six goals and three assists after sixteen games. Wijnaldum also wore the captain's armband in the match against Al-Fayha (0-0) in the absence of Henderson.

Al-Ettifaq occupies eighth place in the Saudi Pro League after nineteen league matches. The last victory in the competition dates back to October 28, when Al-Wehda was defeated 2-3. Despite the disappointing sporting results, Gerrard's contract was broken up last week and extended by two years. The former midfielder is now in Dammam until mid-2027.

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