Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool’s manager, swiftly responded to inquiries about a potential return for Jordan Henderson to the club. Henderson, former Reds’ captain, left Liverpool last summer to join Steven Gerrard at Al Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League.
Rumors have surfaced claiming Jordan Henderson wishes to come back to the Premier League after facing challenges adapting to life in Saudi Arabia following his £12 million move. However, Klopp downplayed the idea of Henderson’s return during a press conference after Liverpool’s 2-0 FA Cup win over Arsenal.
When asked about bringing Jordan Henderson back, Jurgen Klopp indicated that although he and Henderson had spoken recently, it wasn’t about a potential return to Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp emphasized,
“Did Hendo have a press conference and say that? Ahh, it’s just written! That means for me it’s not existing.”
Since departing Liverpool, Henderson has played 19 matches for Al Ettifaq, where he joined his former midfield partner Georginio Wijnaldum. However, the team has been struggling recently, going winless in their last eight games.
Uncertainty looms over Jordan Henderson’s future
Gerrard’s assistant, Ian Foster, recently departed Al Ettifaq to become Plymouth Argyle’s manager in the Championship. Ian Foster was reportedly instrumental in convincing Jordan Henderson to join the Saudi Pro League team. However, rumors suggest that Henderson has been contemplating his options before a recent winter break.
While Liverpool holds a sell-on clause in Henderson’s contract, Al Ettifaq would only consider a significant offer for his departure. Jordan Henderson is reportedly open to taking a substantial pay cut, but leaving Saudi Arabia could result in a substantial tax bill for him. His wages would remain tax free only if he stays in the country for at least two years. This adds to the uncertainty surrounding his future.
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