- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
Jordan Henderson’s time in the Saudi Pro League could be coming to an end sooner rather than later just months after his move from Liverpool last summer.
HITC Football understands that Jordan Henderson and his representatives are set to hold talks with Al-Ettifaq to try and negotiate an exit from the club.
The experienced midfielder is hoping to return to Europe in January, with Juventus and Ajax the most interested parties and hoping to secure a loan deal.
Henderson has also been offered to a host of Premier League clubs, including Arsenal and a sensational return to Liverpool.
Henderson set for Al-Ettifaq exit talks this week
While Henderson is looking for a way out, HITC Football also understands that Al-Ettifaq have shown little if any willingness to let him leave.
The 81-cap England international is worried about manager Steven Gerrard and sporting director Mark Allen’s positions within the club with Al-Ettifaq sitting eighth in the league without a win in five.
Henderson was the marquee arrival for Al-Ettifaq in the summer as the club is not one of the PIF-backed sides in the league.
He was joined by the likes of Georginio Wijnaldum, Demarai Gray and Moussa Dembele but no global superstars such as Neymar and Karim Benzema.
Henderson appears to have made his feelings clear about his future and does seem to have one viable option if exit talks suddenly change Al-Ettifaq’s mind on a departure.
Ajax interim manager John van’t Schip commented on the 33-year-old’s future before their most recent Eredivisie match.
Ajax keen on signing Henderson
Speaking about the prospect of signing the 33-year-old, van’t Schip said: “There is serious talk going on with Henderson. He still has some things to arrange in Saudi Arabia.
“It could be a nice match. It’s no secret that we could really use that type of player. Other guys can benefit from that.”
A move to Ajax would be an interesting one for Henderson and would see him playing at a decent level of European football ahead of the European Championships in the summer.
However, he appears to have made his feelings clear about where he really wants to end up, given how many English clubs have been offered his services.
Do Arsenal and Liverpool need Henderson?
Only one permanent transfer has taken place in the Premier League so far this month, with Radu Dragusin arriving at Tottenham.
Given Everton and Nottingham Forest are at risk of breaching profitability and sustainability rules, it seems like many English teams are worried about overspending.
A loan move for Henderson might make sense for the right team if he can convince Al-Ettifaq to sanction an exit following talks this week.
Arsenal are in the market for a midfielder but want someone younger than Henderson such as Martin Zubimendi.
Liverpool revolutionised their midfield in the summer after Henderson’s exit and if he wasn’t promised game time before Jurgen Klopp made his new signings, he’s unlikely to get in the team now.
It will be fascinating to see if Henderson ends up leaving Al-Ettifaq and where he ends up if he does.
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