In July, the midfielder concluded his 12-year tenure at Anfield, opting to join Al Ettifaq under the management of Steven Gerrard, his former Liverpool and England teammate.
Recent reports from the Daily Mail indicate that Henderson is eager to make a return to the Premier League, demonstrating his willingness to accept a substantial pay reduction and potentially cover a tax bill of approximately £7 million to facilitate a move in the current transfer window. His reported £700,000-a-week salary would only remain tax-free if he stays with his current club for a minimum of two years.
Adapting to life in Saudi Arabia has proven challenging for Henderson, with factors such as soaring temperatures and stifling humidity contributing to his dissatisfaction. Al Ettifaq has also encountered difficulties in attracting large crowds, with average attendances hovering around 7,800 in a 35,000-seater stadium.
Amidst these challenges, Steven Gerrard is facing scrutiny as Al Ettifaq finds themselves in the eighth position in the Saudi Pro League standings.
The departure of Gerrard’s assistant, Ian Foster, who played a pivotal role in convincing Henderson to make the move to the Middle East, adds to the managerial complexities.
While Henderson aspires to rejoin a Premier League side, the report notes that meeting his wage demands would pose financial challenges for most top-flight English clubs, even if he agrees to a salary reduction.
Henderson’s move to Al Ettifaq has attracted criticism, particularly for relocating to a country where homosexuality is outlawed, punishable by death. This decision has raised eyebrows given Henderson’s prior vocal support for the LGBTQ+ community.
Despite the challenges and controversies, Henderson has actively contributed on the field for Al Ettifaq, making 19 appearances this season and providing five assists.
The desire for a return to the Premier League remains a prominent theme, emphasizing the player’s determination to navigate the complexities and uncertainties surrounding his current situation in pursuit of a potential top-flight comeback.
