Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson is ‘eager’ to make a return to the Premier League just seven months after moving to Saudi Arabia.
The England international joined Al-Ettifaq for a transfer fee of £12 million, linking up with former teammate Steven Gerrard, who was installed as manager last summer.
Henderson has reportedly ‘struggled to settle’ in the country, according to the Daily Mail. The report claims that the 32-year-old has had difficulty adjusting to a different lifestyle as well as the heat and humidity.
The midfielder is said to be earning in the region of £700,000 a week, which is tax free if he completes the first two years of his contract – meaning a swift exit could leave him with a massive tax bill. Henderson has denied claims he is being such a high amount to play in the Saudi Pro League.
With Euro 2024 approaching, Henderson could be seeking a move back to England in order to boost his chances of being included in Gareth Southgate’s England squad.
Al-Ettifaq, who play in front of less than 8,000 supporters on average, have struggled for form in recent months, having lost won a match at the end of October.
Henderson is not the only former Liverpool player who reportedly wants to return to England after moving to Saudi Arabia last summer.
Roberto Firmino has been linked with Fulham and Sheffield United after struggling to make an impact in west Asia, scoring just three goals in 17 appearances for Al-Ahli.
