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Henderson departure for Saudi is symbolic

Jordan Henderson’s departure for Saudi Arabia has proved highly controversial: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66324791.  He is prepared to give up up the Liverpool captaincy for life at the seventh-best team in Saudi Arabia on a contract which, at around £700,000 a week, is not so much comfortable as mind-boggling.

It is a move that will have serious repercussions for Liverpool — and which has caused dismay within the LGBTQI+ community, where Henderson had previously been the most prominent ally in the men’s game — but it is also one that will set alarm bells ringing in English football.

A high-profile English player was always likely to be enticed to Saudi Arabia sooner or later, but few people would have imagined it would be one with as much to lose, both reputationally and professionally, as Henderson.

Not just a Liverpool and England player, but captain of his club and vice-captain of his national team. Not just a high-profile player, but one who has used his profile and his platform for good, speaking up against homophobia, discrimination and injustice. Little wonder that so many are shocked or upset by his defection to Saudi Arabia, whose human rights record attracts widespread condemnation.

Henderson is joining a team that finished seventh last season, with an average attendance of 5,561, and whose big signing last summer, Brazilian forward Vitinho, scored three goals.

Football-wise, Henderson has settled for what looks, unimaginably to some of those who know him well, like the ultimate comfort zone. He never seemed the type, given that he has spent his entire career striving, pushing himself and his team-mates. And that is what will trouble Southgate, just as it will trouble many others in English football.  If Henderson can be turned, who might be next?

Saudi Arabia is using sport to build its profile on the world stage and establish itself as a tourism hub. Domestically, the strategy is part of a series of economic and social reforms spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Under the chairmanship of the Saudi leader, the Public Investment Fund last month took ownership of Al Hilal rival Saudi Pro League teams Al Ittihad, Al Ahli, and Al Nassr. The Saudi clubs have snapped up more star footballers since Al Nassr struck a deal with Cristiano Ronaldo in December. Al Ittihad secured the transfers of French stars N’Golo Kanté and Karim Benzema; Brazilian Roberto Firmino left Liverpool for Al Ahli, and Portugal player Rúben Neves left Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers for Al Hilal.

The money they are spending is a fraction of their oil wealth and they have a politically driven strategy which will not falter in the medium term.   Football is seen as a source of soft power.


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