Despite joining Al-Ettifaq only in the summer transfer window, Jordan Henderson is already leaving the Saudi Pro League side.
The former Liverpool captain has struggled to establish himself in the Middle East and is reportedly on the verge of being left out of England’s squad for Euro 2024.
While Al-Ettifaq – who are managed by Steven Gerrard – want to keep the midfielder, he has told his team-mates that he is contemplating his options.
We look at five clubs Henderson could sign up for in the January transfer window.
Ajax could offer Henderson a route out of Saudi Arabia and they have emerged as the early frontrunners for his signature.
The Dutch giants (lately fifth in the Eredivisie) are looking for an experienced central midfielder and the 33-year-old fits the bill.
According to the Daily Telegraph, they recently contacted their team in a bid to sign England on loan.
“Serious talks are taking place with Henderson,” Ajax manager John van ‘t Schip said ahead of their win over Go Ahead Eagles. “He still has things to sort out in Saudi Arabia.
“It might be a wonderful game. It’s no secret that we can use these types of players. Other guys can take advantage of it. “
There are reports in Holland that Ajax are really interested in signing a permanent deal with Henderson, and he is very willing to move.
But his huge salary in Saudi Arabia (around £350,000 per week) may become an obstacle to any potential deal.
Ajax would not be able to get near those figures and their top earner – Steven Bergwijn – is thought to be on £69,000-per-week.
Exclusive story confirmed. More to follow as talks are ongoing. ⤵️?? https://t.co/eJtTXqR3oi
– Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 15, 2024
Having failed to sign Ederson from Atalanta, Juventus now know Henderson as a target for the January transfer window.
According to Gianluca Di Marzio of Sky Sports Italia, the elderly woman has already spoken to the England vice-captain about a possible loan.
But Hfinisherson is hoping for an 18-month deal, while Juventus is reportedly only on loan until the end of the 2023/24 season.
Journalist Alfredo Pedulla adds that the midfielder has accepted a pay cut and Juventus coach Max Allegri has already given the green light to the signing.
A move to one of Europe’s five most sensible leagues would boost Henderson’s chances of playing for England at this summer’s European Championship.
Juventus are also challenging Inter Milan for the Serie A title this season and the 33-year-old could potentially add a trophy to his illustrious resume.
While Henderson has been heavily linked with Ajax and Juventus in recent days, he is reportedly targeting a return to the Premier League.
Jurgen Klopp has dismissed any suggestions of the midfielder re-joining Liverpool but a move to Stamford Bridge could potentially be on the cards.
Chelsea revamped their midfield department in 2023, signing Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia and Lesley Ugochukwu.
But Fernandez and Caicedo are yet to justify their huge price tags, while Lavia and Ugochukwu have been plagued by injury problems.
Henderson, who won eight trophies at Anfield, would bring much-needed joy to a very young Chelsea, and he is leading by example in the dressing room.
“He’s impeccable in everything he does,” former Al-Ettifaq assistant Ian Foster told BBC Sport. “From the moment he joins the football club to the moment he leaves, and he’s the first and the last in those cases, he’s an example to all of us in his behaviour.
“It allows me to communicate with the young players in the build-up and tell them ‘that’s how the elite behave, I’ve noticed it in a player who has led his country at that level’.
“It does benefit you as a coach because you get to see what elite looks like.”
Chelsea have one of the biggest wage expenses in the Premier League and it would be to cover Hfinisherson’s salary until the end of the season.
His move to Stamford Bridge would also pave the way for the departure of Conor Gallagher as Chelsea look to increase the budget and buy a world-class striker in January.
Newcastle are looking for midfield reinforcements after Sandro Tonali was handed a 10-month ban from football for betting offences.
Although they are funded through Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), their strength is limited by Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations.
The Magpies were going to sign Kalvin Phillips on loan from Manchester City, but now they would possibly have to pursue other goals.
“I’m not sure there’s many clubs out there that are willing to help us currently,” Eddie Howe said. “To agree a loan deal, you need the club to agree to that deal. So we’re in that moment where I’m not sure we have many friends in the market.”
However, the Public Investment Fund could use its influence within the Saudi Pro League to negotiate a deal for Henderson.
According to The Daily Telegraph‘s Luke Edwards, he has been discussed by Newcastle’s decision-makers as a potential signing.
It would still be another controversial move for the 33-year-old, who was born in Wearside and made 79 first-team appearances for Sunderland.
But he is said to be “desperate” to return to the Premier League and may be in a position to burn his bridges at the Stadium of Light.
“If Newcastle were on the table, I think they’d probably jump on it, but if they can come out and make the move they want, I don’t know,” Oliver Kay told The Athletic.
Alongside Chelsea and Newcastle United, Brighton & Hove Albion are another potential Premier League option for Henderson.
The Seagulls sold Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo in the summer and could take advantage of the market to bolster their midfield options.
Lately they face others on three fronts after reaching the fourth round of the FA Cup and winning their Europa League group.
An experienced and proven winner like Henderson can see Brighton make their way into their first Europa League campaign.
He would be a wonderful mentor to Brighton’s young midfielders, such as Billy Gilmour, Carlos Baleba and Jack Hinshelwood.
A move to the south coast would see the 33-year-old reunited with former Liverpool team-mates Adam Lallana and James Milner.
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