Steven Gerrard poses with two latest signings, both former Celtic players

Former Celtic duo Moussa Dembele and Jack Hendry have been confirmed as signings for Steven Gerrard’s Al Ettifaq. The former Rangers manager decided to lure Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson to sign for his side today but the two signings of ex-Celts represent excellent business.

من بلجيكا مباشرة إلى المملكة ✈️🇸🇦

جاك هيندري اتفاقي 🟢🔴 #الاتفاق | #جاك_اتفاقي | @Jack_Hendry2 pic.twitter.com/OXZV2Mk5Tx

— نادي الاتفاق (@Ettifaq) July 26, 2023

Hendry represents a disappointment in the club’s transfer business. He arrived for a high fee from Dundee, which would have added extra pressure to the youngster. It might have been due to his turn of pace, height or insistence to pass the ball that Celtic signed him but in truth, he never really settled.

Rodgers appeared content asking him to play at right-back as well as at the heart of defence but he struggled to break into the side with Ajer, Boyata and Simunovic ahead of him in the pecking order. The new season may have increased opportunities for Hendry but he struggled to justify the price tag – often copping flak when thrown in at the deep end by Rodgers.

Neil Lennon clearly didn’t fancy Hendry and offered him limited game time but injuries hampered his chances to really make a mark. It is ironic that the one season Hendry enjoyed a prolonged run in the team, Celtic’s defence was utterly decimated. He left the club having made 27 appearances.

Another ex-Celtic player Moussa Dembele announced by Al Ettifaq. The talismanic figure of Dembele was a fan favourite instantly with a hat-trick against Rangers at Celtic Park. He actually managed seven goals and four assists in eight appearances against the Ibrox side. He scored 51 goals in 94 appearances across the two seasons, winning six trophies during his trophy-laden spell in Glasgow.