It has been reported that Jordan Henderson, who signed a contract to play for Al Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia, is eager to rejoin the Premier League.
The England midfielder, who just completed a £12 million move from Liverpool to the Saudi Pro League, has reportedly had difficulty adjusting and is thinking about his future, according to the Mail Online.
After losing their last eight games, dating back to November, Steven Gerrard, the manager of Al Ettifaq, is under pressure due to the team’s poor performance.
In addition, Ian Foster, the club’s assistant manager, left this week to become manager of Plymouth Argyle, a Championship team.
Henderson, 33, may be impacted by Gerrard and Foster’s potential exits because it was reported that they both played a key role in convincing Henderson to relocate to Saudi Arabia last summer.
The Mail continued, saying that in addition to adjusting to a new way of life, Henderson has also found it difficult to play in Saudi Arabia’s heat and humidity. It is also rumored that Al Ettifaq’s average attendance of 7,800 fans at a stadium with a 35,000 capacity has not been very encouraging.
The midfield player has reportedly suffered from the hatred he has received for relocating to Saudi Arabia; he has been criticized for appearing to forsake the LGBTQ+ community.
Henderson reportedly discussed his options with his teammates before taking a brief vacation during the Saudi Pro League’s winter break.
His dissatisfaction is allegedly so great that, should an attractive Premier League offer come his way, he would think about accepting a significant wage cut and writing off millions of dollars in taxes.
Henderson would probably have to accept a large wage decrease in order to do so, though, as many teams find it difficult to adhere to the Financial Fair Play regulations of the top division.
Henderson is reportedly paid an astounding £700,000 a week at Al Ettifaq; but, if he stays with the company for the full two years of his contract, his pay is only tax-free.
Henderson may owe £7 million in taxes upon his return to the UK after just six months, as Saudi Arabia has a flat income tax rate of 20%.