Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson is reportedly seeking a Premier League return just six months after joining the mass exodus of players to Saudi Arabia.
Henderson, who played 12 seasons for Liverpool, is playing under former Liverpool teammate Steven Gerrard at Al-Ettifaq.
But things haven’t gone to plan, with Gerrard facing the sack after failing to win any of his last eight games over two months.
Henderson was heavily criticised for his move to Saudi Arabia given its conservative stance on the LGBT+ community who Henderson has publicly supported in the past.
Henderson reportedly earns £700,000 per week, but Saudi tax rules mean he won’t pay tax if he stays for at least two seasons.
But the 33-year-old has told teammates he is considering an exit after struggling to adapt to the playing conditions in his new country – and leaving early could see him slugged with a monster £7m tax bill.
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The Saudi league is currently in a six-week break for the Asian Cup.
Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino was asked about a potential move for the England international, replying: “We didn’t talk about names. At the moment, we are not talking about players.
“I saw Behdad [Eghbali], with Paul [Winstanley] and Laurence [Stewart]. I think we are going to have a chat tomorrow. We didn’t talk about names or players. For now, we are focusing on players like Andrey Santos.”
19-year-old midfielder Santos was recently recalled from an underwhelming loan spell at Nottingham Forest.
‘Don’t question my integrity’ | 00:54
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ARSENAL MIGHT MAKE ZERO SIGNINGS
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says there is a ‘possibility’ his side will make no signings this month despite a raft of injuries.
Arteta has previously said he “needs players” in order to challenge for the title, with major off-season signing Jurrien Timber still out of fitness, Fabio Vieira and Thomas Partey also injured, and Takehiro Tomiyasu at the Asian Cup with Japan.
But Arteta told Sky Sports there was a chance of no signings this window, saying: “That’s a possibility.”
“Unfortunately, Jurrien has a very long-term injury. He’s doing really well but is still far from training with the team,” he added.
“It’s what we have, with Tomi having to leave. We’re open for the transfer market, but the emphasis is of making the most of the players we have.
“We’ll work with the club to understand if there are any possibilities, and whether we have any good options. But first of all, we will focus on the players we already have.”
FA Cup Wrap: Chelsea cruise to 4th round | 02:03
OTHER REPORTS
West Ham striker Danny Ings is reportedly a potential target for Wolves in this window, with Wolves set to loan Sasa Kaladjzic to Eintracht Frankfurt this month.
Ings has made 10 appearances in the Premier League this season but hasn’t managed a goal or assist.
And Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Crystal Palace forward Michael Olise – and are even interested in sending Aaron Wan Bissaka the other way in a player-plus-cash deal.
Socceroos cruise to win over Bahrain | 02:04
Sophie Anderson, a UK-based writer, is your guide to the latest trends, viral sensations, and internet phenomena. With a finger on the pulse of digital culture, she explores what’s trending across social media and pop culture, keeping readers in the know about the latest online sensations.
