EPL 2024 transfer news: Jordan Henderson desperate for Premier League return as Saudi Arabia move turns sour

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.

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