Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson and the £1.3m truth about Saudi Arabia transfers.
Jordan Henderson could be about to become the latest high-profile player to make the controversial move to Saudi Arabia.
Steven Gerrard wants to reunite with the Liverpool captain after taking over at Al Ettifaq, with the 33-year-old having received an offer said to be worth £700k a week. The latest reports suggest that the midfielder has verbally agreed to the switch, though the ECHO understands that the Reds were yet to be contacted by any club in Saudi Arabia as of Thursday morning.
If Henderson does indeed intend to make the move, the Saudi club would still need to agree a fee with Liverpool. Considering the England international has two years left on his contract, there is no chance of him departing Anfield on a free transfer.
Reports on Wednesday lunchtime have set the Reds’ asking price at £20m, though club sources insist that Henderson’s situation remains unchanged.
he Liverpool captain isn’t the only Reds midfielder to be attracting interest from Saudi Arabia, though. Thiago Alcantara reportedly rejected interest from an unnamed club earlier this summer, while the Athletic report that Al Ittihad are preparing a £40m bid for Fabinho.
Should the Brazilian make such a move, he will become at least the second-most expensive player in Saudi Pro League history, depending on an agreed final fee, with Ruben Neves the current record holder after joining Al-Hilal from Wolves in a club-record £47m.
Jamie Carragher reveals honest opinion on potential Jordan Henderson Liverpool exit
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher believes Jordan Henderson’s previous support of the LGBT+ community would set him up for criticism if he was to move to Saudi Arabia.
The 33-year-old midfielder is currently the subject of intense speculation from Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq – who recently appointed Steven Gerrard as manager – and is expected to make a decision on his Anfield future in the coming days. However, as reported by the ECHO on Thursday, Liverpool are yet to receive an official approach for their captain.
During his time as the Reds skipper, Henderson has been an instrumental figure in promoting equality in the men’s game and ensuring that football is inclusive for all individuals. As a result, Henderson has been a key figure for both the Premier League and England national team in promoting Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign – a movement designed to support LGBT+ communities in football and beyond.
However, in Saudi Arabia – a country that has faced huge backlash for its disastrous human rights record – same-sex marriage is illegal. It is also against the law to be transgender.
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