Jordan Henderson: LGBT followers ‘past disillusioned’ as Liverpool agree £12m transfer with Saudi facet for captain

Jul 20, 2023 at 4:35 AM

Liverpool have agreed a £12m payment with Saudi Arabian facet Al Ettifaq for the potential sale of captain Jordan Henderson.

The England worldwide will reportedly earn £700,000 every week with the Saudi Pro League facet, managed by his former Liverpool teammate Steven Gerrard.

The 33-year-old midfielder is but to agree private phrases.

Henderson’s transfer to Saudi Arabia is controversial as a result of he has been a vocal ally of the LGBT neighborhood in soccer.

He wore rainbow laces throughout England’s run to the Euro 2020 ultimate and has repeatedly voiced his assist for higher inclusivity within the sport.

However, homosexuality is illegitimate and punishable by demise within the Gulf state the place he’ll now play soccer.

3LionsPride, a fan group for LGBT England supporters, mentioned it was “beyond disappointed” after the deal was reached.

They had earlier criticised Henderson as rumours of a transfer to Saudi Arabia circulated final week.

The group mentioned in a press release: “Our pleasure for Mr Henderson when he scored towards Ukraine within the Euros (quarter-final) was, partially, attributable to his kindness and his ‘fortunate’ rainbow laces.

“A banner was created to commemorate the low bar he had achieved in being outspoken on our right to support England and show visibility on the pitch.

“If the rumours are true, then that banner will probably be consigned to the depths of historical past.”

Read extra:
Being gay is ‘damage in the mind’, Qatar World Cup ambassador says
Gary Lineker says he knows two gay Premier League stars

Analysis: Many will probably be feeling betrayed by a person who appeared like a real ally

By Melissa Reddy, Sky Sports News senior reporter

The criticism will intensify. Jordan Henderson has been so vocal in his assist, he felt like a real ally.

There was a neighborhood that appeared to him, he was a beacon of sunshine, a reference level for footballers, who took his lead and look to him for steering on these issues.

He has been such an advocate for Rainbow Laces, he has been a soccer ally on the LGBT awards earlier than, so there are such a lot of issues that simply jar relating to this transfer.

Henderson will anticipate the criticism that’s coming and may have thought lengthy and arduous about this. But I do not assume there may be something he can say or do to cease folks from feeling betrayed, from feeling he folded on the first likelihood to make a stand.

There could be some who say this cash adjustments his life, it would not, it adjustments his legacy.

Henderson has been in Germany with Liverpool on their pre-season tour however was ignored of supervisor Jurgen Klopp’s squad to face Karlsruhe of their first pleasant on Wednesday.

He has made 491 appearances since signing for Liverpool from Sunderland for £20m in 2011 and skippered the facet to Premier League and Champions League titles.

He has additionally received the FA Cup and two League Cups.

Henderson joins excessive profile names resembling Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante in agreeing to maneuver to Saudi Arabia.