Jordan Henderson: Al Ettifaq Addresses Former Liverpool Midfielder’s Exit Rumours

• Jordan Henderson has been strongly linked with a move away
• The midfielder is reportedly unsettled at his Saudi league club
• Henderson has been rumoured to want a Premier League return

Jordan Henderson remains a hot topic of transfer speculation.

The 33-year-old signed for Saudi Arabian outfit, Al-Ettifaq in the summer and has made 19 appearances for the club, registering five assists.

But barely six months after moving to the Middle East from Liverpool, interesting reports have emerged suggesting the midfielder wants to return to Europe.

Henderson has reportedly failed to settle in Saudi Arabia due to several factors, including the hot weather of the Middle East.

This has led to rumours suggesting several clubs, including Chelsea, could take up the England international’s services.

Al Ettifaq’s stance on Henderson

Al Ettifaq is not in action throughout January, with Henderson and the rest of the players enjoying a brief holiday before their next game on February 15.

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Amid rumours of a potential exit, an official source inside the Al Ettifaq camp has come out to dismiss reports of Henderson’s impending transfer away from the club.

The source told Saudi Publication, Arriyadiyah, that no official bid for Henderson had been tabled by any club the midfielder has been linked with.

“When he returns from his current vacation, Henderson will join the team’s winter camp in Abu Dhabi,” the source said.

Henderson’s Al Ettifaq contract

As mentioned earlier, Henderson is barely six months into his contract with the Saudi club.

He penned a three-year deal with Al Ettifaq in a contract that sees him make a staggering £36.5m a year, according to Sporting News.

Under the management of former teammate Steven Gerrard, Henderson’s side has struggled in the league and are currently enduring a two-month winless run. The club lies in eighth place on the log with 25 points from 19 games.

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Stars who have struggled in Saudi Arabia

Henderson is not the only former Premier League star who has struggled in the Saudi Pro League.

As Sports Brief reported, the hype that came with the mass exodus of superstars from Europe to the Middle East seems to have faded as reality checks in.

Among the big names that have struggled in the Saudi top flight are Karim Benzema, Roberto Firmino and the injury-stricken Neymar.