Jordan Henderson Eyes Premier League Return Amid Challenges in Saudi Arabia

England midfielder Jordan Henderson, 33, is contemplating a surprising return to the Premier League, expressing struggles with adapting to Saudi Arabia’s climate and encountering unforeseen difficulties in his recent move to Al Ettifaq.

Challenges in Adapting to New Conditions

Henderson’s £12 million transfer last summer has been marred by difficulties adjusting to the heat and humidity during games, compounded by Al Ettifaq’s disappointing performance in the Saudi Pro League, including an eight-game winless streak since November.

Management Turmoil and Disruptions

Manager Steven Gerrard, along with assistant Ian Foster, who played pivotal roles in Henderson’s move, faced turmoil as Foster recently resigned to lead Plymouth Argyle. The club’s internal issues have amplified Henderson’s unsettled stance.

Seeking Premier League Return Despite Financial Setback

Despite earning an extraordinary £700,000 per week tax-free at Al Ettifaq, Henderson’s discontent has opened the possibility of returning to the Premier League, willing to accept a significant wage reduction and forfeiting substantial sums in taxes.

Financial and Contractual Implications

However, his return would result in a £7 million tax liability due to the country’s flat 20% income tax rate, jeopardizing the tax-free status applicable after completing two years of his contract in Saudi Arabia.

Challenges in Securing a Premier League Move

Crystal Palace, Fulham, and Newcastle are potential destinations for Henderson, yet the financial constraints faced by many Premier League clubs might necessitate substantial salary adjustments, making his return challenging amidst the spending restrictions.

Jordan Henderson’s contemplation of a Premier League comeback highlights his willingness to navigate financial setbacks for a chance to rejoin the league amid ongoing struggles in his current Saudi Arabia stint.

Mr. Azhar ul Haq Wahid - Editor Mr. Azhar ul Haq Wahid joins "To The Sports News" as an Editor, bringing a decade of comprehensive journalistic experience to our team. A respected Pakistani journalist, he has dedicated his career to covering a wide array of global issues across the world, demonstrating a deep understanding of complex subjects and a commitment to detailed reporting. Mr. Wahid has a background working with prominent print and electronic media organizations, including Channel Five TV, the newspaper "Khabrain," The Nation/Nawa-i-Waqt, NNI, Daily Sama, City 42, Star Asia, Waqt News, Daily The Business, and Daily The Khabrain. His work has covered areas such as Environment, Health, and Sports. He is also a member of the Lahore Press Club, the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and the Society of Environmental Journalists (SEJ), highlighting his dedication to journalistic standards and diverse reporting. His academic background includes a BS Honors degree in Sociology and an MPhil from Punjab University, alongside a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Sargodha. Furthermore, Mr. Wahid is a Ph.D. candidate in Journalism at Complutense University of Madrid, and has contributed to research on topics including the relationship of sports participation with achievement, motivation, and innovation traits among university students, and the effects of parental involvement on student participation in sports. With his extensive experience in covering diverse topics and his keen analytical skills, Mr. Azhar ul Haq Wahid is poised to lead our sports news coverage with depth, accuracy, and insightful perspectives, ensuring our readers receive top-tier journalistic content.

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