5 Potential Escape Routes for Jordan Henderson as Liverpool Legend Eyes Leading Saudi League Exodus

Al-Ettifaq’s star signing, Jordan Henderson, is a meeting away from getting back into the transfer market. Saudi Arabia’s weather conditions, Al Ettifaq’s lackluster run, and the League’s embarrassingly low attendances have forced Henderson to overlook a $15 million paycheck and eye a return to Europe. Nevertheless, Al Ettifaq boss Steven Gerrard is keen on keeping the former Liverpool midfielder in Dammam with a new offer. However, five European clubs have already lined up to land the Champions League-winning midfielder, anticipating he will bid Saudi adieu.

Besides the Liverpool legend, few other Saudi League players are also expected to follow his suit, in what can be called a reverse exodus. At this juncture, four non-Premier League clubs and a PL side long for Hendo’s signature.

At 33, Jordan Henderson occupies five European powerhouses’ radar

Jordan Henderson has faced severe hostility since he left Liverpool for Saudi. English fans have welcomed the veteran with boos. Besides, the 33-year-old’s prospects in Gareth Southgate’s NT squad are also in dubiety. Nonetheless, top-notch European clubs still bet on Henderson. Newcastle United is one team eyeing to land the ex-Liverpool skipper. This move looks plausible because injuries and suspensions mar their midfielders. Furthermore, Saudi’s Public Investment Fund owns the side, and can hence smoothly facilitate Henderson’s potential move.

Dutch powerhouse Ajax also got the Ettifaq skipper on their radar. The Eredivisie side wants to make the best of Henderson’s midfield experience to bolster their roster. Apart from these, a move to Germany is also in the cards for the Englishman. According to talkSport, Hendo himself has shown interest in joining either Bayern Munich or Bayer Leverkusen, kick-starting a Bundesliga stint. Battling a void Paul Pogba has left in the midfield, Italian giants Juventus also look forward to the Englishman getting a green signal from the Ettifaqis. As Hendo’s Saudi exit is imminent, let us explore what contributed to the fallout and if a reverse exodus is in the cards.

What went wrong for Henderson in the Middle East?

Jordan Henderson left Liverpool after seeing tremendous success. Now what? His team Al Ettifaq is lagging behind as the eighth-seeded team in a far less competitive league. Moreover, Al Ettifaq’s home ground is nothing close to an electrified Anfield. In Saudi, the Hendersons of the world had to play in a stadium with less than 2,000 fans. Besides the dismal stint in the league, cultural factors also mar Henderson’s stay. The player’s wife also reportedly wants to escape the harsh climate and other cultural barriers that are alien to Europeans.

READ MORE: Newcastle United Wants To Sign Liverpool Legend Jordan Henderson From Al Ettifaq- Reports

Just like the 33-year-old, his ex-teammate Roberto Firmino is also close to calling it a day in Saudi’s Al Ahli. A drop in form has forced the player to reconsider his deal with the Pro League outfit. If Hendo and Firmino were to call it quits, certain other players could also follow suit. And climate and cultural factors have been unfriendly to most of these European players, much like they have been to Henderson.

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