Ex-LFC Capt. Jordan Henderson Went To Saudi League, Tarnished His Legacy, Might Not Get Paid, And Is Already Bailing

Jordan Henderson, the former captain of Liverpool Football Club in the Premier League, has been the subject of much ridicule since making a move to the Saudi Pro League, which has only been exacerbated by the fact that he’s already bailing on it.

According to reports, the 33-year-old Henderson — who moved from Liverpool to Al Ettifaq in late July for a $15 million transfer fee — is now transferring to Dutch club Ajax after just six months.

The reason that Henderson has been the subject of more scrutiny than the other football stars who’ve taken money from the Saudis is the fact that he previously championed himself as an ally of the LGBTQ community during his time as Liverpool captain. Many fans believe that once money was flashed in front of his face, however, those supposed moral values — if they were even real at all — crumbled.

Now, Henderson is getting further clowned on for not only bailing on the project after six months but also after previously saying he moved there because he wanted to “achieve something special and build a club and build the league.”

“This opportunity with Stevie (Gerrard) in a totally different league and totally different culture was something completely different, that maybe it would excite us in terms of the project that was put in front of us, in terms of the league and using my experience to try to help with that in many different areas and feeling that people value,” Henderson told The Athletic in an exclusive interview that was widely considered to only worse his standing.

Henderson also told The Athletic that having someone with his “values” in the country would have a positive impact on Saudi Arabia.

“I think people know what my views and values were before I left and still do now. And I think having someone with those views and values in Saudi Arabia is only a positive thing,” Henderson said.

“What I’m saying is people know what my values are and the people who know me know what my values are. And my values don’t change because I’m going to a different country where the laws of the country might be different. Now, I see that as a positive thing.”

At the time of his departure, his now-former club Al Ettifaq, managed by former Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, sits eighth in their league and hasn’t won a league game since October.

Making matters worse for Henderson is the fact that, according to The Telegraph, he hasn’t yet earned any money as a result of his time in Saudi Arabia due to a deferred payment agreement. Journalist Matthew Law even reported there’s a chance he may never get paid, too.

Perhaps worst of all for Henderson, though, is the fact that his move to Al Ettifaq irrevocably altered his legacy at Liverpool, which was previously only known for being the first captain to lead them to a Premier League title, while also winning a Champions Leauge and being revered for his work and social presence in the community and country.

Now? Well, it’s a lot more complicated, that’s for sure.