Former Liverpool defender Alan Kennedy says Jordan Henderson left Sunderland for the Reds to win trophies.
Both Henderson and former Newcastle United striker Andy Carroll have left the North East for Liverpool.
"It's absolutely no disrespect to the teams in the North East, but I think the decision for Andy and Jordan was probably as easy as it was for me at the time," Kennedy told the Sunday Sun.
"I played in the Cup Final against Liverpool and it was just a fantastic experience. I remember thinking 'Wow, it's a special club'.
"I think for Newcastle, we were just happy to be there - for Liverpool, they were expected to be there. And expected to win it as well.
"I wanted to be part of that, so it wasn't a difficult decision for me.
"Liverpool aren't as successful now, but I think that Jordan and Andy seemed to have jumped at the chance to sign for Liverpool and - although this might not be easy to hear - that is understandable from a footballer's point of view.
"Liverpool still have that tradition and with the kind of money they're splashing out, they've obviously got ambition as well. I don't see Newcastle or Sunderland spending the same kind of money.
"And this is the key, are they going to win a trophy? They haven't done for such a long time.
"Football is a short career and you want to go where the trophies are - the way things are at the moment, Liverpool have a better chance."
