Why Jordan Henderson's reported move to Saudi Arabia is so controversial: LGBTQI+ community reacts to Liverpool captain joining Al Ettifaq

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Joel Sritharan
• 6 min read
Jordan Henderson
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Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has joined Al Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League, ending his 12-year stay at Anfield.

The 33-year-old trained with the club at their preseason training camp in Croatia before becoming new manager Steven Gerrard's first big signing as the Liverpool legend looks to bounce back from his difficult reign as Aston Villa manager.

Henderson is thought to have earned a significant payrise by accepting Al Ettifaq's proposal and becoming the latest high-profile player to move to Saudi Arabia.

The Sporting News looks at why Henderson's transfer is causing some fans to be upset.

MORE: The biggest transfers to the Saudi Pro League so far

Is Jordan Henderson going to Saudi Arabia?

Liverpool confirmed that Henderson had left the club on July 27. "I know it was a really, really tough decision for Hendo and I was around or with him all the way," said manager Jurgen Klopp.

"It's sad – absolutely strange, because he is the only captain I had here at Liverpool, but it is exciting for him as well. "

On July 13, widespread reports in England, including via The Guardian, stated that Henderson had accepted a contract offer from Al Ettifaq.

The player is said to have told Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp that he wanted to make the move after being presented with a staggering deal worth in the region of £700,000 ($919,000) per week.

Since Steven Gerrard's side are not one of those newly bankrolled by the Saudi Public Investment Fund, they must tread a little carefully when it comes to transfer fees.

Footage emerged of Henderson training with Al Ettifaq on July 26, and he released a video confirming his Liverpool exit later that day.

Why is Jordan Henderson's move causing controversy?

The cause of the controversy amid Henderson's move to Al Ettifaq is the law regarding LGBTQI+ people in Saudi Arabia. Homosexuality is illegal in the country and those found guilty can be severely punished.

Henderson has worn the rainbow armband before during Liverpool matches and has openly shown his support for the LGBTQI+ community. After England were given a briefing on human rights abuses in Qatar prior to the World Cup last year, the midfielder said the players found some of issues described "shocking and disappointing".

Henderson has also participated in anti-homophobia projects before and reached out to LGBTQI+ fans on social media to offer backing. The fact he is now entertaining a lucrative approach to move to a country with laws that run counter to his previous stance is what is causing consternation among many fans and commentators.

Gerrard has also been under the spotlight due to his involvement with Saudi Arabian football. He showed support to former LA Galaxy teammate Robbie Rogers when he came out as gay in 2013.

Online reaction to Jordan Henderson's transfer

Former Aston Villa, West Ham and Everton midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger took to Twitter to question Henderson's move on the day it was confirmed.

"Curious to know though how the new brand JH will look like," said Hitzlsperger, who revealed he is gay in 2014.

"The old one is dead. I did believe for a while that his support for the [LGBTQI+] community would be genuine. Silly me.

"His gay mates are not safe if they want to watch him live. No one forced him to support the [LGBTQI+] community. He chose to. Why? Doesn’t make sense to me anymore."

Some fans voiced concerns while pointing out that Henderson's new club appeared to have greyed out a rainbow armband, worn by him to show support for the LGBTQI+ community, in photos they used.

Kop Outs is a Liverpool LGBTQI+ fan group. They released a statement following the news of Henderson's rumoured move.

They said: "We are appalled and concerned that anyone might consider working for a sportswashing operation for a regime where women and LGBT+ people are oppressed and that regularly tops the world death sentence table.

"Gerrard's participation in this sportswashing is particularly galling given his previous support for LA Galaxy teammate Robbie Rogers.

"When someone's made a fortune, should money tempt tempt to go to work? Maybe they should be asking themselves those questions.

"We hope that Jordan Henderson proves to be man of his word and stays true to the values of our club, which so far he has been an absolute embodiment of."

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has been vocal about his views on the transfer business being done by Saudi Arabian clubs, and he shared his opinion on Henderson's transfer, too.

Other Liverpool fans have chosen to express gratitude to their captain for what he has given them over the years, including their sixth Champions League title in 2019 and a first Premier League crown in 2019/20.

Who will replace Jordan Henderson at Liverpool?

Liverpool and Klopp know they need to add new faces to their side after failing to qualify for the Champions League last season. They have already brought in Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, but they will need to buy at least one more midfielder should Henderson leave.

Romeo Lavia has been liked with many clubs this summer after he showed his quality for Southampton in the 2022/23 season. Moises Caicedo has also been mentioned as a possible replacement for Henderson, but Liverpool will have to do well to tempt him away from the likes of Chelsea, who are reportedly first in line to get a deal done with Brighton & Hove Albion.

Fabinho could also be on his away to Saudi Arabia, which may cause Liverpool to be more active in the transfer market. Klopp will need to name a new captain for his squad, with Virgil van Dijk being the standout candidate for that role.

Author(s)
Author Photo
Joel Sritharan
Joel Sritharan is a freelance writer for Sporting News UK. 
soccer
Liverpool (Premier League)
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