Jordan Henderson Regrets Moving To Saudi Arabia, Liverpool Doesn't Open The Door Again

Jordan Henderson told his teammates that moving to Saudi Arabia was a big mistake. In fact, he has only been at the Saudi Arabian League Pro club, Al Ettikaq, for six months, after leaving Anfield in July 2023.

However, the journey following Steven Gerrard who became coach of Al Ettikaq did not go smoothly. Henderson has not scored a goal and his team is in poor form.

Al Ettikaq is now in eighth place in the standings with 25 points from 19 matches that have been played.

This frustration made Henderson associated with leaving the winter transfer market which has been open since January 1, 2024.

SunSport said the 33-year-old was ready to return to Europe. Moreover, returning to the Blue Continent could increase the chances of appearing at Euro 2024 with the England national team.

However, Henderson's contract situation made him in a dilemma. He struck a two-year deal with a salary of 700 thousand per week. If he leaves Saudi Arabia, he has to pay a tax bill of around 3.5 million.

Even so, Henderson doesn't seem to care about that. There are five destinations that are always associated with him in the January stock exchange.

Newcastle United

Newcastle, which is owned by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF), certainly has a connection to the Saudi Arabian Pro League. Of course, negotiations will be easy. Moreover, after Premier League clubs chose to allow inter-club transfers with the same owner.

Eddie Howe's squad has now been hit by an injury storm and the defensive midfielder is on the top wishes list. Apart from Henderson, they are also after Kalvin Phillips.

Chelsea

Chelsea have spent more than 1 billion pounds since Todd Boehly took over Stamford Bridge troops in 2022.

Despite the arrival of Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia, and Lesley Ugochukwu who are long-term investments, experienced players in midfield can be a reasonable addition.

Henderson will definitely give that up and working with a number of young Chelsea stars can help get the attention of England's national team manager Gareth Southgate.

Celtic

Henderson was at Liverpool during Brendan Rodgers' tenure as manager from 2012 to 2015.

He has a chance to be interested in a reunion with his former Celtic manager. The overall lower league quality compared to the Premier League will also benefit Henderson as he will turn 34 at the end of the season.

Moving To Germany

SunSport mengetahui bahwa ada klub Jerman yang sedang memantau situasi Henderson dengan perhatian khusus.

Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich, Stuttgart, and RB Leipzig chased him. The Bundesliga are wide open for Henderson to enter the second half of the season.

Henderson proved that he was willing to move abroad when he went to Saudi Arabia. The opportunity to test his abilities in other top five European leagues could be very interesting.

Returning To Liverpool

This last destination was widely discussed. Henderson is predicted to return to Liverpool.

Henderson spent 12 years at Anfield and made 492 appearances for the Reds.

He inherited the captain's armband from Gerrard and has raised the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, Community Shield, Champions League, Super Cup, and Club World Cup titles.

Jurgen Klopp still has Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo, and Ryan Gravenberch in midfield.

However, players with extra experience winning trophies like Henderson could be important as Liverpool chase league titles this season.

However, returning to Anfield will be difficult. Jurgen Klopp has even dismissed the rumors.

"Has Hendo held a press conference and said (he wants to leave Saudi Arabia)?"

"So it's only written? It means, for me nothing. He hasn't called me yet."

"Actually we have spoken, but it's not about that. I have nothing to say about that," Klopp said as quoted by The Sun.