Jordan Henderson will move to Saudi Arabia after 12 years at Liverpool. Credit: Getty Images/Andrew Powell
Since Steven Gerrard moved to the Saudi Pro League and offered Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson the opportunity to follow him, I've been asked so many questions about their decision that you'd think I'd be joining them.
I am not their representative. I speak for myself, not for those I respect. But considering the pros and cons of their career choices, I'm prepared to say this: if I were offered four times my salary to leave Sky Sports and CBS to cover the Saudi Pro League, my answer would be no. Why? Because I love to watch and analyze the best football in the world, which at the moment is the Premier League and the Champions League. I would never be so enthusiastic commenting on a league that has so many players who have come out of their best and that has no history or tradition.
This is purely a football consideration. It is natural and understandable that human rights issues in Saudi Arabia are at the center of attention of many other critics.
Henderson has a big problem to solve because of his previous pro-LGBTQ remarks+ community. I fully understand this criticism and it is justified. Jordan was announced after his speech, so he has tough questions to answer, and the critical response to him will have a negative impact on moving forward for those communities that value support from high-profile individuals.
When other players hear criticism of him, they won't say, «I can't go to Saudi Arabia.» Their advisers will tell them to keep their mouths shut in case they move there in the future to avoid accusations of hypocrisy.
This would be tantamount to buying silence — a major impact of sports washing. This is where FIFA and other sports organizations were also open to criticism and needed to be stronger. Governing bodies have the right to state that countries will not be allowed to host major sporting events if they do not meet human rights requirements. You cannot preach inclusive values just to turn a blind eye to the right price and not wait for criticism.
In this transfer window, we see that Saudi Arabia poses a real threat to the wealth, strength and quality of European football. I'm worried how this will end.
Despite all the transfer activity, a game-changing signing has yet to enter the Saudi Pro League.
Yes, world famous names have taken a step forward and others will follow. Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante, Ruben Neves and Roberto Firmino have all joined Saudi clubs and in most cases fans are happy when those who go over the line get a good deal, especially if that means there are additional costs to replace.
Karim Benzema is one of the biggest transfers of this summer to Saudi Arabia. Photo: Reuters/Al Ittihad
Typically these are stars whose time at elite clubs at the Champions League level has come to an end, or managers like Gerrard and Nuno Espirito Santo looking to re-establish themselves as managers and rebuild their reputation. If the Saudis could poach a global superstar like Kylian Mbappe at the height of his career, it would set off an earthquake. I'm glad he made it clear he wasn't interested. If the world's greatest player were to sacrifice 12 months of his career for money, it would leave a nasty aftertaste. Going there when your tenure at the top is coming to an end, or when you're not working and earning a huge salary, is incomparable.
I can see why the one with the best achievements wants to earn a few pounds, play with less pressure and enjoy the sun on your back.
Those who take this step are no different from the aging stars who joined the North American Football League (now Major League Soccer) in the United States in the mid-70s; Among them were Pelé, Johan Cruyff, Bobby Moore and George Best.
Others compare the current outcome to the Chinese Super League, which has tempted many big names for a while.
But Saudi Arabia's actions seem to be the start of something much bigger. These are the resources available that can lead to rapid expansion. Younger high-level players may eventually find a £100m deal more attractive than staying in Europe, especially if it doesn't affect their international ambitions and World Cup prospects.
When Bernardo Silva from Manchester City has been linked with a transfer from Saudi Arabia, I took to social media to suggest it would indeed be a revelation. Why? Because he is still at the level where he can play for the best teams in the world. Such a deal will serve as an impetus for others.
Look at Aleksandar Mitrovic from Fulham. He is the best striker in the Premier League who is ready to give up playing in the best league in the world for an incredible financial reward.
It is sad. I would be disappointed if anyone — players, managers and experts — put money over quality when they still have something to offer at the highest level.
If this continues across Europe, clubs will have a serious problem.
The long-term chain effect will hurt the Champions League, and those clubs plotting a «super league» that have been rejected by UEFA will start to look more global in order to maximize revenues. . There is a possibility of a destabilizing effect.
Many will say it's a little premature to be pessimistic, but I don't see the current outcome as a short-term trend.
Anyone expecting a flurry of world-famous footballers or managers will claim they never play or coach in Saudi Arabia. delusion. Most of them will watch the upcoming season with interest and let their representatives assess the possibilities.
From a football point of view, Henderson's departure from Liverpool is no different from those who moved to Saudi Arabia before him. and many of those who follow. If you separate the emotion of his transition from what he achieved for the club, he will leave as a Liverpool legend. This is not a debate. This is a deal that suits the player and the club. Liverpool did not stand in Henderson's way, indicating that they considered the move financially sound.
The biggest implications for the Premier League and Champions League would come when such proposals were accepted those who are at the beginning of their careers. or mid-20s, not early 30s.
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