Tom Rofekamp
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Jordan Henderson has set his sights on a return to the Premier League, it is understood DailyMail. The 33-year-old midfielder is said to be unhappy in Saudi Arabia and wants to return to his native country after only six months. Even if it costs him his princely salary and a huge tax liability.
Henderson came to Saudi Arabia last summer on the recommendation of Steven Gerrard. The 43-year-old manager, who knows Henderson from his time at Liverpool, had just taken over at Al-Ettifaq.
Just like Georginio Wijnaldum, Henderson had to become one of the stars of a team that had to make a bid for the title. Half a season later, that is far from view.
Al-Ettifaq is eighth in the Saudi Pro League, despite the presence of Moussa Dembélé, Demarai Gravy and therefore Wijnaldum and Henderson. That is why Gerrard's position has started to falter.
That is one of the reasons that Henderson is also considering his options. The Middle Eastern climate and the criticism from the LGBTI+ community are also a thorn in the side for the 81-time international of the Three Lions.
However, a return to England is especially financially difficult. This is not only due to Henderson's salary – around 800,000 euros per week – but also due to his tax obligations.
If he decides to leave after six months, the Al-Ettifaq captain will owe the country Saudi Arabia about eight million euros in taxes. Only when Henderson serves two years of his contract will that tax liability be waived.
Henderson has played nineteen official matches for Al-Ettifaq so far. The midfielder has not yet scored, but has already provided five assists. Wijnaldum can provide slightly better figures in that regard. The Dutchman, who, like Henderson, has been a player for Al-Ettifaq since last summer, has scored six goals and three assists in sixteen official matches.
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