When Jordan Henderson moved to Saudi Arabia last summer, he made plenty of big claims about the motivation for his switch to the Middle East.
He spoke about growing football in the country and having hopes of turning the Saudi Pro League into one of the best competitions in the world. Not only that, but he also hoped he could help influence political change in the country, with the Englishman having been criticised for moving to a nation with laws that punish members of the LGBTQ+ community. Money, apparently, was not a driving factor.
All we can say is fair play to Jordan Henderson, because it seems he has managed to achieve those lofty ambitions after only six months in the country. That is the only conclusion we can draw from the news that he is apparently keen to leave Al-Ettifaq as soon as this month.
Mail Sport reported yesterday that the player was already eyeing a return to the Premier League, with the searing heat and lack of crowds in Saudi Arabia driving that decision.
In fairness, it's not as if they were two things he could have anticipated before the move.
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Liverpool could benefit from Jordan Henderson Saudi exit
While Jordan Henderson is apparently having second thoughts about his move to Saudi Arabia, Liverpool are unlikely to hold many regrets over the decision to sell the midfielder last summer.
Jurgen Klopp's side have excelled in his absence, sitting top of the Premier League midway through the campaign. As well as that, their midfield has been rejuvenated by new signings such as Alexis Mac Allister, Dominic Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo, and Ryan Gravenberch.
As it turns out, they may now also benefit even further from his sale.
According to sports broadcaster Ben Jacobs, Liverpool inserted a 'healthy' sell-on clause in the Jordan Henderson deal that would see them receive a cut of any transfer fee received should the player leave Al-Ettifaq.
Bit more on Jordan Henderson. Should a permanent offer be accepted, #LFC will take a sell-on percentage, and quite a healthy one I am told.
Ettifaq haven't received any proposals to date, and will only entertain a loan or sale for what is being termed by sources as an… pic.twitter.com/YadV3jTLFl— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) January 6, 2024
However, the Saudi club are said to be reluctant to part with the player and would only consider doing so should they receive a bid in excess of the amount they paid to sign him last summer. A loan would only be sanctioned if the player's wages were covered in full.
Considering the stage Jordan Henderson is at in his career, you would imagine that very few Premier League clubs would be interested in signing him on those terms.
Still, should they find a suitor, it seems Liverpool will be in a position to benefit even further from their decision to sell their former captain.
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