 Jamie Carragher says Jordan Henderson should be prepared for a lot of criticism with the Liverpool captain set to join the Saudi Pro League. On Thursday, it was reported that Henderson had accepted an offer to join Al Ettifaq, with Liverpool now in talks with Steven Gerrard's side over a fee. The England star is the latest Premier League player to be linked with a transfer to Saudi Arabia this summer, a list that also includes fellow Reds midfielder Fabinho. From a purely footballing perspective, the deal makes a lot of sense for all parties involved, with Gerrard set to gain a dependable and familiar face which will ease the transition to his new club. Jurgen Klopp is looking to rejuvenate his midfield and is need of more funds to sign top target Romeo Lavia from Southampton, while Henderson is 33 and knows his game time is likely to lessen next season. Liverpool legend Carragher understands all this but has voiced his concern that the player is in for a lot of flak given that he has been a vocal supporter of the LGBTQ+ community in the past. Homosexuality is illegal in Saudi Arabia and many view the Pro League's state-funded strategy of recruiting big name players as their latest attempt at sportwashing. 'The money is difficult to turn down hence why virtually no one has, a great servant & player for Liverpool,' Carragher posted on Twitter when asked for his thoughts on the transfer. 'He will get criticism because he got a lot of praise for his stance on LGBTQ+ in the past. 'Not a player in his prime but again a big statement to get the Liverpool captain to the Saudi league. A good deal for Liverpool also.' Liverpool LGBT+ fan group Kop Outs has already released a statement in response to the news, slamming Gerrard for taking the job at Al Ettifaq and urging Henderson to reject the move. 'Kop Outs have valued the allyship shown by Jordan Henderson,' they said. 'We are appalled and concerned tha){kind=link}
NEWS… BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
Jamie Carragher says Jordan Henderson should be prepared for a lot of criticism with the Liverpool captain set to join the Saudi Pro League.
On Thursday, it was reported that Henderson had accepted an offer to join Al Ettifaq, with Liverpool now in talks with Steven Gerrard’s side over a fee.
The England star is the latest Premier League player to be linked with a transfer to Saudi Arabia this summer, a list that also includes fellow Reds midfielder Fabinho.
From a purely footballing perspective, the deal makes a lot of sense for all parties involved, with Gerrard set to gain a dependable and familiar face which will ease the transition to his new club.