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 , with Liverpool now in talks with Steven Gerrard’s side over a fee.
The star is the latest player to be linked with a transfer to Saudi Arabia this summer, .
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.
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 that anyone might consider working for a sportswashing operation for a regime where women & LGBT+ people are oppressed and that regularly tops the world death sentence table.
‘Gerrard’s participation in this sportswashing is particularly galling given his previous support for LA Galaxy team-mate Robbie Rogers [who came out as gay in 2013].
‘When someone’s made a fortune, should money tempt them to go to work? Maybe they should be asking themselves those questions.
‘We hope that Jordan Henderson proves to be a man of his word and stays true to the values of our club, which so far he has been an absolute embodiment of.’
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