Former Celtic midfielder Liam Henderson signs for Sampdoria | OneFootball

Former Celtic midfielder Liam Henderson has joined Serie B club Sampdoria, marking his sixth Italian team to date…

Liam Henderson signs for Sampdoria. Photo Sampdoria FC

The 29-year-old playmaker has committed to a two-year contract with the Genoa-based club, after departing Serie B side Empoli following their relegation during his second stint at the club.

Sampdoria may choose to activate an extension that would keep Henderson at the Italian side until 2028.

Henderson is set to play under former Celtic midfielder Massimo Donati, who was appointed manager of Sampdoria last month after Alberico Evani was relieved of his duties.

Liam Henderson of Empoli FC in action during the Coppa Italia match between Empoli FC and Catanzaro at Stadio Carlo Castellani on August 10, 2024 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Donati, who has managed Sambenedettese and Legnago Salus in Italy, along with a stint at Athens Kallithea in Greece, featured in 50 matches for Celtic across all competitions during his three years at the Hoops, netting five goals under the stewardships of Gordon Strachan and Tony Mowbray.

Donati’s standout moment for the Hoops was scoring a stoppage-time winner against Shakhtar Donetsk in Celtic’s memorable 2007 Champions League campaign where Strachan’s side were knocked out of the competition in the last 16 against AC Milan.

After returning to his native country from Celtic in 2009, Donati later came back to Scotland to play for Hamilton Accies and St Mirren, eventually retiring and taking up a coaching role at Kilmarnock under Italian boss Angelo Alessio.

Liam Henderson of Empoli FC reacts during the Serie A match between Empoli and Parma at Stadio Carlo Castellani on May 10, 2025 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Celtic academy product Henderson featured in 37 matches for his boyhood club and scored three goals before moving to Bari in 2018, where he has subsequently played for Hellas Verona, Empoli, Lecce, and Palermo.

His younger brother Ewan, who made 12 appearances for Celtic across all competitions, has recently signed with EFL League One club Wycombe Wanderers.

Ewan Henderson of Celtic during the match between Celtic and Livingston at Celtic Park on January 16, 2021 (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)

All the best to Liam who continues his admirable footballing journey in Italy. It seems to be a popular destination for Scottish players these days and he was the first Scot in modern times to go and experience life abroad.

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