Liverpool give ‘green light’ for Saudi transfer as 33-year-old ‘accepts’ moral-busting contract offer

Jason Soutar
Liverpool players Jordan Henderson and Mohamed Salah during a match.
Jordan Henderson and Mohamed Salah during a match.

Fabrizio Romano says Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has made the interesting decision to ‘accept’ an offer to join Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq.

Al-Ettifaq appointed Reds legend Steven Gerrard as their new manager last week and the ex-Aston Villa boss immediately made Henderson his number-one transfer target.

Several big names have already made the move to Saudi Arabia this summer, such as Ballon d’Or holder Karim Benzema and Ruben Neves, but the Liverpool skipper will become the first high-profile English player to make the move.

The Telegraph reported earlier this week that Gerrard’s side gave Henderson a ‘dilemma’ thanks to the mind-boggling money on offer.

And The Athletic correspondent David Ornstein claimed on Wednesday that the 33-year-old is ‘leaning towards’ accepting the offer.

Fast forward to Thursday afternoon, and Fabrizio Romano has said Henderson has decided to ‘accept’ what is a moral-busting contract offer.

OPINION: Over the rainbow? Will Jordan Henderson really sell his soul for Saudi Arabia gold?

Romano reports that Liverpool have given the “green light” for the transfer to go through and only need to agree on a fee with the Saudi side, which should not be an issue considering they are willing to quadruple the player’s wages.

Writing on Twitter, the transfer expert said: “Jordan Henderson has accepted Al Ettifaq proposal. There’s an agreement in principle, still verbal. Contract agreed.

“Deal now depends on Liverpool and Al Ettifaq discussing on the fee, no chance to let him leave for free.

“Hendo spoke to Klopp today and there’s green light.”

This is a move that does not sit very well with us. Many people thought, surely not? Yet, here we are.

Henderson is someone who has stood up for what he (apparently) believes in for quite some time, seeing himself nominated for the British LGBT+ Football Ally prize, which was thankfully won by Conor Coady.

As you are probably aware, same-sex relationships are illegal in Saudi Arabia. In fact, it is punishable by death. You can be killed for being gay. In 2023.

Unfortunately, it would appear that the opportunity to quadruple your wage is more important than morals. Some will struggle to blame Henderson for his decision, but it f**king reeks.

Henderson was also unsurprisingly asked about going to Qatar for the 2022 World Cup with England.

In response to the Australian squad’s outspoken video criticising the host nation, the Liverpool midfielder said: “You’ve got to be satisfied in your own mind and know what you’re doing you think is right and go with that.”

Yer man is satisfied with £560,000 a week and his ‘ally’ status being removed it seems.

MEDIAWATCH: Liverpool captain the GAME CHANGER on Saudi Arabia (if you forget Benzema and Neves)

 

Liverpool Jordan Henderson

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