Jordan Henderson’s move to Saudi Pro League explored | Football summary
Jordan Henderson has enjoyed a turbulent start in Saudi Arabia since leaving Liverpool to join Steven Gerrard at Al-Ettifaq.
The 33-year-old was one of several players to move to the Gulf state this summer, but has been the subject of more controversy than others, mainly due to accusations of hypocrisy.
Henderson has been a vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ rights during his time at Anfield, but homosexuality remains a crime in Saudi Arabia and is technically punishable by the death penalty.
He was heavily criticized for this after his move to Al-Ettifaq was officially confirmed, with many LGBTQ+ fans choosing to reject his previous alliance.
Three Lions Pride, an LGBTQ+ England supporters group, said in a statement at the time: “Once again, our existence and concept of ‘alliance’ towards us is weak compared to a huge paycheck.
The ability to say the right words when it’s easy and withhold them when it comes to money or when times are tough is exactly why the term ‘ally’ is outdated and ineffective.”
Joe White, chairman of the group, further revealed that some fans were planning to protest against Henderson by turning their backs during England’s match against Ukraine last month.
The former Liverpool ace is still part of Gareth Southgate’s squad but appears to have alienated some of the fanbase following his decision to move to Saudi Arabia.
Jordan Henderson has endured a turbulent start to life in Saudi Arabia
Henderson also faced criticism from the media for joining many of his fellow Saudi Pro League stars in promoting the country’s bid to host the 2034 World Cup.
He endorsed the plans in a short video clip last week, saying: “Very excited about the announcement, going to Saudi Arabia.
Back at Liverpool, the Reds appear to have quickly put Henderson’s departure behind them after removing a photo of him lifting the Premier League trophy from their training ground.
They have enjoyed great form in his absence as well, winning five and losing just one of their eight league games so far this season.
Al-Ettifaq, on the other hand, sit mid-table in the Saudi Pro League despite the addition of Henderson to their ranks this summer.
They currently sit seventh, six points behind leaders Al-Hilal, and will certainly need to improve to have any chance of catching up.
The England midfielder was widely criticized for his move to Al-Ettifaq.
Henderson has made a decent start on a personal level with four assists in eight games, but is yet to score and has played in front of small crowds that pale in comparison to those in the Premier League.
Al-Ettifaq’s average attendance currently stands at less than 7,000, with just 976 supporters watching them beat Abha Club last month.
Meanwhile, The Sun also reported that several of the Saudi Pro League’s new stars “hate every minute” of being in the country and regret moving to the Gulf state.
There is no indication that Henderson is one of the players in question, but it just goes to show that money doesn’t always make the football world go round, contrary to what many Saudi clubs seem to believe.
Henderson remains tied to Al-Ettifaq until the summer of 2026 after signing a three-year contract upon his arrival, meaning he is likely to stay there for the long term.
It remains to be seen how his situation will develop in the coming months, as the controversial nature of his move is unlikely to disappear anytime.
