Jordan Henderson Set to Join Saudi Pro League: Jamie Carragher Warns of Criticism
Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson looks set to join the Saudi Pro League, and Jamie Carragher has warned that the England star should be prepared for a lot of criticism. On Thursday, it was reported that Henderson had accepted an offer to join Al Ettifaq, with Liverpool now in talks with Steven Gerrard’s side over a fee.
The move makes sense from a purely footballing perspective, with Gerrard set to gain a dependable and familiar face which will ease the transition to his new club. Jurgen Klopp is looking to rejuvenate his midfield and is need of more funds to sign top target Romeo Lavia from Southampton, while Henderson is 33 and knows his game time is likely to lessen next season.
However, Carragher has voiced his concern that the player is in for a lot of flak given that he has been a vocal supporter of the LGBTQ+ community in the past. Homosexuality is illegal in Saudi Arabia and many view the Pro League’s state-funded strategy of recruiting big name players as their latest attempt at sportwashing.
“The money is difficult to turn down hence why virtually no one has, a great servant & player for Liverpool,” Carragher posted on Twitter when asked for his thoughts on the transfer. “He will get criticism because he got a lot of praise for his stance on LGBTQ+ in the past. Not a player in his prime but again a big statement to get the Liverpool captain to the Saudi league. A good deal for Liverpool also.”
Liverpool LGBT+ fan group Kop Outs released a statement in response to the news, slamming Gerrard for taking the job at Al Ettifaq and urging Henderson to reject the move. “We are appalled and concerned that anyone might consider working for a sportswashing operation for a regime where women & LGBT+ people are oppressed and that regularly tops the world death sentence table,” they said.
The group also highlighted Henderson’s previous support for LGBTQ+ rights, including wearing the Rainbow Laces armband during a game in December 2020. “We hope that Jordan Henderson proves to be a man of his word and stays true to the values of our club, which so far he has been an absolute embodiment of,” they said.
It remains to be seen if Henderson will make the move to Saudi Arabia, but it is clear that he will face criticism if he does. The decision will be a difficult one for the Liverpool captain, as he weighs up the financial benefits of the move against his own personal beliefs.