The “outrage” over Jordan Henderson potentially earning £700,000-a-week in Saudi Arabia is misguided, according to Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler.
The former striker manages Saudi second-tier side Al Qadsiah and would welcome Henderson linking up with manager Steven Gerrard after much-publicised talks with Al-Ettifaq.
“It is Jordan Henderson's supposed wages which has sparked the outrage,” he wrote in his Mirror column. “I’ve never quite understood why footballers' wages are such a sensitive topic, while the billions earned by financiers are never questioned.
“Let's get one thing clear though. I’m not going to condemn Jordan, Steven Gerrard or anyone else who has gone to work in Saudi Arabia, or is thinking of doing so. Not because I’m taking the money too - that’s simply not true.
“As I’ve explained before, I have taken a job in the league below the Saudi Pro League because I am ambitious to become a manager, because I want to prove myself. I’ve not been been given that chance in the UK.”
Liverpool have reportedly set a £20million asking price to allow Henderson to leave, which Al-Ettifaq are said to be struggling to afford despite their hefty wage offer.
Fabinho is another Reds midfielder potentially heading to the Middle East after a £40m offer from Al-Ittihad.
Along with concerns over the fees changing hands, some fear Arabian football depriving the Premier League of its top talent - something Fowler is unconcerned by. Others have voiced discontent with the region’s human rights and equality record.
Fowler added: “I know Jordan well and I grew up with Stevie. I think Steven is like me - he wants to manage, he wants to prove himself, and after leaving Aston Villa, the right offer simply hasn’t come along.
“Now he has the backing of a big club, in a league that wants to grow, to become one of the better leagues in the world. It’s a great opportunity for a manager with ambition to get to the top.
“We can all question why there’s that financial backing now, and yes, there has been money thrown at this big project. But has anyone questioned the Premier League for doing exactly the same thing?”
