SUMMARY
- Jordan Henderson expresses regret over his move to Saudi Arabia, citing difficulties adapting to the climate and facing backlash from fans.
- Henderson's performance at Al-Ettifaq has not been impressive, contributing to the team's disappointing position in the Saudi Pro League.
Jordan Henderson had a flourishing career at Liverpool. The relatively unknown midfielder soon turned into one of the most faithful servants for ‘The Reds.’ The 33-year-old became the captain of the English giants and lifted the first Premier League title for Liverpool in 30 long years. Jordan was also the captain of Liverpool’s 2019 Champions League winning time.
The English midfielder had excellent talent on the ball. He could dictate the tempo of the game very well. This, combined with his exquisite leadership qualities on the pitch, made Al-Ettifaq move for Jordan Henderson in the summer of 2023.
Jordan Henderson reportedly wants to return to the Premier League from Saudi Arabian side Al Ettifaq.#BBCFootball
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) January 7, 2024
But things have gone extremely south. The midfielder’s performances haven’t been very encouraging and the fans have turned against the 33-year-old.
The Englishman has found it difficult to adapt to the heat and humidity of the Middle Eastern country. An unhappy Jordan reportedly wants to return to the Premier League after just 6 months in the Middle Eastern country.
Jordan Henderson was one of the several Premier League stars who joined the Saudi Pro League in 2023. Al-Ettihaq picked the English midfielder to push for the league title.
However, Al Etiifaq’s season has been nothing short of a disaster. After matchday 19, the Saudi team finds itself in the 8th position on the league table. The club has only accumulated a meager 25 points from those matches, following their 6 wins out of the opening 19 games in the SPL.
Jordan Henderson joins Al Ettifaq on 3 year contract — official, confirmed 🇸🇦 pic.twitter.com/UlQyxIrbGn
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 27, 2023
This has frustrated Jordan Henderson, who is on the lookout for offers from England. His plans to form a formidable partnership with former Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard haven’t gone according to plan. Al Ettifaq appointed Gerrard as the manager in July 2023.
Jordan would reportedly have to take a major pay cut to rejoin the Premier League. His clause of tax-free $945,000 a week salary in Saudi Arabia would apply only if he stays at the club for at least 2 years.
If not, the former Liverpool midfielder would have to pay an income tax of up to 20%, leaving him with a tax bill of up to $9.45 million. Crystal Palace, Fulham, and Newcastle United are in the market for midfielders in the January 2024 window. But Jordan’s huge salary demands can be problematic for the three clubs.
Jordan Henderson was criticized by the LBTQ+ community after moving to Saudi Arabia
The 20/21 Premier League winner has been an advocate for the LBTQ+ rights. But, the once ally of the community has now turned his back on the same. People from the LGBTQ+ community flaked the 33-year-old’s decision to come to Saudi Arabia, a country where homosexuality is still criminalized.
You’ll never walk alone Keith. If wearing the #RainbowLaces armband helps even just one person then it’s progress. Everyone is welcome at Liverpool Football Club. Hope you enjoyed the game tonight. #YNWA https://t.co/TfIhASribZ
— Jordan Henderson (@JHenderson) December 6, 2020
Joe White, the co-chair of Pride in Football and the co-founder of Three Lions Pride said this after the 33-year-old moved to the Middle Eastern country (via The Guardian), “His presence could actually be more harmful to local LGBT people if he does speak out because the people who do get impacted on aren’t high-profile footballers, they’re your standard LGBT people who will then get the backlash.”
The English midfielder apologized to White and believed that his move to Saudi Arabia would be a positive thing for the LGBTQ+ community in Saudi Arabia. Jordan Henderson said that he would have never joined the SPL if Liverpool didn’t want him to leave.
The winner of the 18/19 UEFA Champions League dismissed reports about his substantial weekly salary of $945,000. Furthermore, Jordan Henderson clarified that he has not received any requests to promote Saudi Arabia on social media.
