Why are players trying to leave Saudi Pro League? Future for Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo and other stars

It's a little over a year since Cristiano Ronaldo sent shockwaves through world football by joining Al Nassr on a free transfer.

The move was a huge statement of intent by the Saudi Pro League and the European summer transfer window was dominated by a succession of big-name players following Ronaldo to the Middle East.

The January transfer window of 2024 has also been a notable one for the Saudi Pro League. But not many people would have expected the focus to be so heavily on departures.

"I think a lot of people would like me to sit here and criticise the Saudi thing and everything that went with that but that certainly wasn't the case and not something that I'm going to do," England midfielder Jordan Henderson told reporters after calling time on his stint at Al Ettifaq after half a season to join Ajax — a move he insisted was a "football decision".

"I've got full respect for the league and Al Ettifaq the club and the people over there," Henderson added. "They really made me feel welcome. Unfortunately, sometimes these things in life just don't work out, in football and life in general."

However, multiple reports suggest Henderson is not the only player to have had second thoughts, even if he was the first to act upon them. Here, we have a look at some of the other big names that might be making a swift exit from Saudi Arabia.

 Cristiano Ronaldo injury update: Will Al Nassr star play vs. Lionel Messi?

It's certainly not the case that every player to make a recent move to the Saudi Pro League is looking for a way out, but there are several high-profile stars who have different reasons for agitating for an exit, or have simply found it difficult to settle.

Henderson became the first high-profile player to leave Saudi Arabia