Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson is desperate to make a return to the Premier League after spending less than six months playing in Saudi Arabia, according to Telegraph Sport.
Henderson’s departure from Liverpool to Al-Ettifaq during the summer marked the end of his remarkable 12-year tenure at Anfield, despite having two years remaining on his contract with the Reds.
His move to Saudi Arabia, joining Steven Gerrard’s team, stirred significant attention across football circles, with Henderson becoming another high-profile player to join the Saudi Pro League.
According to Telegraph Sport, “the England midfielder is struggling to settle in the Middle East and is looking for an escape route back to England – or elsewhere in Europe”.
Speculations suggest that the 33-year-old is aiming to secure a departure in the January transfer window, possibly initially through a loan deal, which might involve a substantial reduction from his reported earnings of £700,000 per week, tax-free, as part of the three-year contract he inked in July.
During his time at Al-Ettifaq, Henderson has made 17 league appearances, contributing with five assists, with the team currently placed eighth in the standings, trailing 28 points behind league leaders, Al-Hilal.
Pressure appears to be mounting on Gerrard, whose side have struggled to secure a win in the last eight Saudi Pro League matches, a run stretching back to November.
Adding to the changes within the club, Henderson’s departure could also potentially coincide with the exit of his former assistant, Ian Foster, who has taken on the role of manager at Plymouth Argyle after playing a crucial role in persuading Henderson to join Al-Ettifaq.
Henderson initially joined Jurgen Klopp’s squad from Sunderland in a deal worth £20 million in June 2011, amassing an impressive record of 492 appearances, scoring 33 goals, and contributing with 57 assists.
His time at Liverpool was adorned with seven trophies, including the Premier League, Champions League, Club World Cup, Carabao Cup, and Emirates FA Cup.
Read More Liverpool Coverage:
- Burnley 0-2 Liverpool: Nunez & Jota Send Reds Top On Boxing Day
- Liverpool 1-1 Arsenal: Salah Scores As Reds Drop Points To Gunners
- Liverpool 5-1 West Ham United: Reds Soar Into EFL Cup Semi-Final
- Liverpool 0-0 Manchester United: Reds Miss Chance To Top The Pile With Anfield Stalemate
- Union Saint-Gilloise 2-1 Liverpool: Young Reds Lose In Belgium