Jordan Henderson has already spoken with England manager Gareth Southgate about his move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq and has been assured that his international future will not be jeopardized.
Henderson will be reunited with former Liverpool and England teammate Steven Gerrard, who now manages Al-Ettifaq after agreeing to the controversial move to the Saudi Pro League. Al-Ettifaq will pay roughly £13 million for Henderson, who will sign a lucrative contract worth nearly £700,000 per week.
Before the trade was officially announced, footage emerged of him practicing alongside his new colleagues at their training camp in Croatia, but Henderson has already confirmed his Liverpool leave on social media. In an Instagram video, he said to Liverpool fans, “Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your club.”
“I appreciate your help in both good and terrible times. Thank you for all of your sacrifices, which you have made and will continue to make. Just know that till the day I gone, I will always be a red. Thank you so much for everything. You will never be on your own.”
And, according to the Athletic, Henderson met with Southgate before agreeing to join Al-Ettifaq to discuss how the transfer would affect his England career, with Euro 2024 on the horizon. According to the article, it was a “key factor in Henderson agreeing to the move,” with Southgate telling the midfielder that he will still be considered for selection.
Henderson has been a staple for England under Southgate, appearing in the World Cups in 2018 and 2022, as well as Euro 2020. The 33-year-old has been extensively chastised for his decision to go to Saudi Arabia, despite previously being a prominent supporter of the LGBT+ community. In Saudi Arabia, homosexuality is outlawed and punishable by death, and the country remains one of the most dangerous in the world for LGBT+ persons.
Liverpool’s LGBT+ fans organization Klopp Outs has slammed Henderson and Gerrard for joining Al-Ettifaq, calling it “deeply disappointing.” “Given his recent choices, Kop Outs doubt & question if @JHenderson was ever an actual ally,” they tweeted.
“We are deeply disappointed that he has chosen to work as part of a sportswashing operation, attempting to divert attention away from a regime that oppresses women and LGBT+ people and consistently tops the world death penalty table.” This regime was to blame for the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. It flogs people simply for advocating for the human rights of others.
“It’s mind-boggling that a father of small children is moving to a regime that is about to break its promise to execute juveniles.” Gerrard’s involvement in this sportswashing is especially infuriating given his earlier support for LA Galaxy teammate Robbie Rogers. Former teammates should be cautious.
“We hope that Jordan Henderson and Steven Gerrard do not have to face the harsh reality that LGBT+ people and true human rights advocates face.” We question @LFC’s decision to take funds from such a dictatorship. We have long advocated for Liverpool to reject investment from nations with a terrible record on human rights. Beyond the reputational damage caused by such a transaction, there is also a question about due diligence.”
