Not true, I think Gerrard has got off lightly here.
Very much so.
You'd have to question Gerrard too... in believing that the current Liverpool captain, with 2 years remaining on his contract, would be available 'on a free'.
Albeit on wages around the reported £700,000 p/w. Gerrard wanting Henderson as his marquee signing for his new club... just as pre-season training for Liverpool had commenced - our plans likely already in place for the coming season going on recent departures and arrivals... would surely not be welcomed by Liverpool. A fee would obviously have to be paid.
Despite this, it appears he has been let off quite lightly in all this Henderson transfer business so far - despite him being the one that wants Henderson, the timing of it, and apparent lacks of funds to secure the player... leaves Gerrard looking amateur and naïve. Impacting upon Liverpool's plans for the coming season likely won't go down well with some fans, though I'm sure others will still idolise him, or attempt to continue to justify or excuse his role in this.
Though that's sportswashing for you. £700,000p/w on one very high profile player - instead of trying to secure and build a team of quality players on £70,000p/w - or a more balanced squad averaging out at less. Seems a bit short term / 'one expensive egg in your basket' approach, that; one marquee signing... Though needless to say the whole sportswashing project doesn't seem logically set up to be long-term sustainable at all. Sign BIG NAMEZ instead!!!
Still finding it disappointing Gerrard decided to take the Saudi sportswashing, human-rights abusing, child executioners' blood stained money... to go be a poster boy for that brutal oppressive regime.