07 January 2024 , 12:57
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Liverpool could stand to pocket a seven-figure windfall if Jordan Henderson gets his way and is sold by Al-Ettifaq in the January transfer window.
The former Reds captain, 33, decided to quit Anfield in order to complete a lucrative switch to the Saudi Pro League in the summer; a decision which attracted widespread criticism from fans and pundits alike.
Henderson's spell in the Middle East has been far from enjoyable, though, with Al-Ettifaq currently in the midst of a chastening nine-match winless run. The England international has also played in front of embarrassingly small crowds, with previous reports indicating that a host of players who moved to the Middle East were regretting their decision.
It now appears as though Henderson is ready to call time on his ill-fated Saudi Arabian adventure, with The Mail claiming that the veteran midfielder is seeking a return to the Premier League.
The report outlines that Henderson has failed to settle overseas and has also struggled to adapt to playing in the heat and humidity in the country. It's also claimed that the small crowds are also a factor in his desire to return to Europe.
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While it remains to be seen if Al-Ettifaq will sanction the sale of one of their marquee summer signings, it has emerged that Liverpool will obtain a slice of any fee the Saudi Pro League outfit receive per a transfer clause which was included in the initial deal for Henderson's services, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.
Given that Henderson signed a lucrative contract which runs until the summer of 2026, there's every chance he could be forced to stay put by his new employers.
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Henderson enjoyed a hugely successful spell at Liverpool before moving to Saudi Arabia (AFP via Getty Images)If a return to Europe does materialise, Henderson is braced for a huge financial hit. Although he is reported to earn a staggering £700,000-a-week, his earnings are only tax free if he honours the first two years of his contract with Al-Ettifaq.
That means that Henderson would be left with a £7m bill should he depart sooner than planned - whether that's this month or later down the line.
Henderson joined Al-Ettifaq shortly after Steven Gerrard was appointed as the club's new head coach, but his long-term future is also in doubt amid their current poor form.
His assistant, Ian Foster, left the club earlier this week to pursue an opportunity to be a head coach in his own right after being approached by Championship outfit Plymouth Argyle.