Crisis at Al Ettifaq: British Media Report Jordan Henderson is Seeking a Return to the English Premier To Escape Gerrard’s Sinking Ship
With Steven Gerrard indicating that Al Ettifaq will need to spend significantly in the January transfer window, it seems he’ll have to consider a replacement for his captain as well. Jordan Henderson joined the Dammam-based side last summer for a £12M transfer fee. He’s reportedly earning £350,000 per week tax-free, more than four times what he was earning at Liverpool.
At Al Ettifaq, the former Liverpool captain has struggled to adapt to the lifestyle as well as the weather. According to the Daily Mail, Henderson has struggled with the humidity and heat, while the 7,800 average attendance has been discouraging.
The Daily Mail claims that Henderson has indicated he’d be open to an offer from the Premier League. This is despite the tax implications of breaking his contract. Additionally, given his age, no English team will come close to matching even half of his current wages. However, his desire to go back home is so burning that he’s willing to move despite the significant pay cut he’ll need to accept.
A Jordan Henderson departure would be the latest in a string of misfortunes that have faced Steven Gerrard this season. Gerrard is under pressure from the club’s ownership to turn things around from the current winless run that stretches back to November 2023. He also lost his assistant manager, Ian Foster, who left to take charge of Plymouth as head coach. Sporting Director Eelco Schattorie also left his role, citing personal reasons. With January expected to be a busy one for the club, it seems Steven Gerrard will have a lot on his plate to ensure he has the tools to salvage the season.
