for football The transfer of Jordan Henderson to Saudi Arabia serves as a valuable lesson for the world of soccer.

Upon arriving at Ajax, whether as an opponent or not, many players are immediately struck by the rich football legacy that surrounds the club. This may only intensify the feeling of remorse for Jordan Henderson.

He could have achieved this, if his reputation had not been damaged. The difference between his current football environment will only exacerbate the situation.

Although Ajax has a rich football heritage, many of the facilities in the Saudi Pro League (SPL) appeared outdated. According to some individuals who have visited, it felt like lower-level teams were preparing for a match against a Premier League team. The setup was makeshift, and one team had to use a media room for their warm down. Henderson managed to avoid this inconvenience.

There was a discrepancy in the situation, considering the large sum of money involved – although the former Liverpool player will not actually receive the amount he was promised. He has now made many sacrifices, in various forms.

His reputation, above all else, will intensify and add irony to the recent events of the past few weeks.

Henderson’s choice to terminate his contract with Al-Ettifaq has caused significant damage to the positive reputation he had built up over the years. His refusal to acknowledge that money played a role in his decision only worsened the situation. Furthermore, he will not receive the money he is owed as he has chosen to end his contract early. He will now leave behind everything he had at Al-Ettifaq to join a highly esteemed and beloved club in the world of soccer.

He won’t feel any romance in it because everything in between only seemed to highlight the negative aspects of the game.

It is ironic that a transfer from Liverpool to Ajax for a prominent English player in their thirties is no longer common. This is largely due to the current state of the football industry, as the Dutch club is unable to match those financial levels.

If Henderson had traveled directly from Liverpool, it likely would have increased his reputation even more.

Currently, no one seems eager to discuss that particular aspect. Henderson took a different approach.

If the urge is to scold the player and find satisfaction in their misfortune, there may be a larger lesson to be learned.

The entire situation sheds light on the decision-making process in these circumstances and highlights the significant influence of money in the game. When discussing sportswashing or similar problems with those involved in football, there is typically a general acknowledgement of the issue, particularly if it has affected their chances of winning trophies. However, there is also a tendency to appeal to the “reality of the game”.

Autocratic states are willing to spend a lot on football and they’ve changed how things are done. That’s perhaps fair and most individuals have to just adapt to the global system. They can’t change it, although that discussion is very different when we are talking about multimillionaire footballers who already have a lot more financial freedom than most people.

It appears that Henderson now has a significant amount of financial independence, allowing him to work without pay for several months. This contradicts any previous justifications claiming that the money offered was too life-changing to refuse.

Similarly, numerous members of Henderson’s fellow players on the England team were eager to inquire about his experience in the SPL, undoubtedly drawn in by the statistics.

It is possible that he would provide them with a revised response at this time.

This is the true nature of the game, which may not receive sufficient attention.

As society becomes more aware of social issues, the world of football is expected to follow suit. Sportswashing, a heavily debated influence, will now impact how players are perceived. As a result, players must be more cognizant of its effects.

Like any profession, blindly pursuing money is not always the wisest choice.

There are many people in the football world who should consider this idea. So far, only Toni Kroos has openly shared his thoughts on this matter, which resulted in him receiving a lot of criticism at the recent Spanish Super Cup in Riyadh.

There is also a statement about the SPL, which has the potential to greatly disrupt football.

Henderson’s choice deals a significant blow to the league’s reputation, particularly due to his abrupt departure. Considering his past involvement, his presence was crucial in shaping the perception of the sport. His current decision serves as a warning for players to carefully consider their options before committing.

The SPL has officially stated that the reason for his departure is due to his family’s inability to adjust. However, the reality is that he is not the only player who was not satisfied with the job or daily routine.

This also reflects the magnitude of the task facing the country as it prepares to host a World Cup in only ten years.

This is happening amidst a conflict between the Western and global Southern regions that can almost be described as a “football culture war.” This was expressed by Fifa president Gianni Infantino during his infamous press conference before the Qatar World Cup.

Despite the fact that many Gulf dictatorships have expressed anger towards Western criticism, they also desire acceptance from Western nations. This is evident in their efforts to host international sporting events and showcase their wealth through purchasing high-status clubs. Ultimately, their goal is to successfully host a World Cup that receives praise from Western viewers, cementing their place in history.

There are many tasks to be completed. Undoubtedly, Henderson wishes there were things he could undo.

Source: independent.co.uk