Inside players’ Saudi hell with stifling heat, awful attendances as stars flee

THE DREAM of huge wages and a fresh start in the Saudi Pro League has turned into a nightmare for some players who are seeking a swift return to Europe.

A host of star-studded names made the switch to the Middle East in the summer as huge sums of money were thrown at attracting the best in the land.

They included Karim Benzema, Neymar, Roberto Firmino, N'Golo Kante, Jordan Henderson, Riyad Mahrez, Jota, Aleksandar Mitrovic and a whole lot more.

The majority of those joined the four state-owned clubs - Al-Ittihad, Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli and Al-Hilal - while former Liverpool captain Henderson linked up with Reds icon Steven Gerrard at Al-Ettifaq.

But just months after leaving European football, many of them are being linked with Saudi exits - with Firmino linked to Fulham, Henderson set to join Ajax, Jota eyeing a switch to Tottenham, and Benzema in Chelsea's crosshairs.

So why are all these players so keen for a swift departure from Saudi? SunSport has taken a look at the main reasons the moves have turned sour for some of football's biggest names.

Brutal heat becoming unbearable

The scorching temperatures in Saudi Arabia are causing players to suffer in the heat.

Training is taking place in the evening due to the sweltering climate - with it often reaching 40 degrees celsius in some parts of the country.

It has been reported that one of the reasons for Henderson, 33, seeking a way out is the inability of the Sunderland born ace to cope with the heat during matches.

But it should have come as no surprise to the England midfielder.

Cristiano Ronaldo was the first high-profile player to make the switch from European football to the Saudi Pro League when he joined two years ago.

And while he has begun to adapt, he insisted last summer