Jordan Henderson's comments on LGBTQ+ issues amid Saudi Arabia rumours

Jordan Henderson is heavily linked with a move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq, with the Liverpool midfielder reportedly in talks to reunite with Steven Gerrard in Saudi Arabia. 

According to the latest reports, the 33-year-old is "leaning towards accepting" a contract offer worth £700k per week, which would make him one of the world's highest-paid footballers.

Henderson's decision is believed to be imminent and, if he decides to accept the offer, it will be up to Liverpool and Al-Ettifaq to negotiate a fee.

While the money on offer is clearly enormous, there are obvious questions over why Henderson would want to go.

The midfielder is still Liverpool club captain and remains a hugely influential figure in Jurgen Klopp's squad. A move outside of Europe may also jeopardise his chances of making Gareth Southgate's Euro 2024 squad next summer.

In addition to footballing factors, Henderson has also been a vocal supporter of the LGBTQ+ community over the years. As he considers a move to Saudi Arabia — a part of the world where homosexuality is illegal and can result in capital punishment  — his old comments on the issue make for interesting reading.

In 2021, Henderson questioned why there aren't any openly gay footballers at the top level of the men's professional game, while also describing himself as an 'ally' for the community who are striving to be more included.

He said (in quotes via Liverpoolfc.com): "My view on this is very much the same as on any other form of discrimination in the game, whether it relates to race, religious intolerance, disability or any other. I have never personally experienced any of these injustices in my life until now, so I can never and would never claim to have an understanding like those who suffer from the ignorance of others.

"But I do believe when you see something that is clearly wrong and makes another human being feel excluded you should stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them. You also have a responsibility to educate yourself better around the challenges they experience.

"That’s where my own position on homophobia in football is rooted. Before I’m a footballer, I’m a parent, a husband, a son, a brother and a friend to the people in my life who matter so much to me. The idea that any of them would feel excluded from playing or attending a football match, simply for being and identifying as who they are, blows my mind."

Liverpool's number 14 has also worn a rainbow coloured captain's armband and taken part in the rainbow laces as part of awareness-raising campaigns. In 2021, he was also shortlisted for a 'Football Ally' honour at the annual British LGBT Awards.

He has also used his Twitter account — which has 1.9m followers — to show solidarity with LGBTQ+ fans.