It’s tax free as well is it in Saudi?
I’m not saying they struggle but one of the very interesting things from the Secret Footballer books is how footballers don’t feel very rich, even though they are. Money has a habit of going out, and it’s a very short career which ends suddenly.
Remember here they’re taxed 50%. And will have an outrageous mortgage or rental bill on whatever ludicrous mansion they’re living in, plus the lifestyle taxes of cars, Instagram wives and funnelling away money through financial advisors in investments which may or may not come good.
Say Henderson was on £200k a week, that’s £100k a week before it’s even hit his bank. Then £20k a week mortgage on a nice 3 million pound mansion that he wants to pay off quickly, because he stops earning at 35. Then £5k finance on the Bentley, another £5k on the other cars, £5k into pensions, £10k towards investments, £1k per kid private school fees, £5k for every shopping trip to Alderley Edge Louis Vuitton…
There’s a reason why such a high percentage of footballers go bankrupt within a few years of retirement. They spend loads and for most of that time they’re young and stupid. It wouldn’t surprise me if despite the salary, someone like Henderson only has 5-10 mil in the bank. If going to Saudi can turn that into 30 mil, that’s a massive lifestyle difference for someone whose earning potential drops off a cliff, for life, at the age of 35 and has massive lifestyle costs.
Nice problem to have though!