5 potential destinations for Henderson as he 'seeks Premier League return'
Less than six months after making the money-spinning move to Saudi Arabia, Jordan Henderson could be on his way back to the Premier League.
The 33-year-old joined Steven Gerrard's Al-Ettifaq for £12million back in July and has since made 19 appearances for the Saudi Pro League side. However, Henderson has struggled to settle in the Middle East and will seriously consider offers the club receive this month, according to the Daily Mail.
Henderson's woes have been compounded by Al-Etiffaq's run of nine matches without a win, which has put Gerrard under increased pressure. As well as the different lifestyle, Henderson has struggled with the heat and humidity of the playing conditions, while Al-Ettifaq's average attendance of 7,800 has left a lot to be desired.
The England international is understood to have told his team-mates he is contemplating his options, with Henderson eyeing an instant return to the Premier League. With that in mind, here are five possible destinations for Henderson during the January transfer window.
Liverpool
Henderson spent 12 successful years at Liverpool before his departure was confirmed in July. During his time at Anfield, he won the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup among other major trophies, making 492 appearances and scoring 33 goals.
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Jurgen Klopp brought in Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Waturo Endo and Ryan Gravenberch to bolster his midfield department in the summer, but signing some extra experience in the form of Henderson could be a smart move. Liverpool could play as many as 34 more matches before the end of the season, with the Reds still in with a chance of winning four major honours.
Jordan Henderson in action for Liverpool last season (Getty Images)Sunderland
Although they aren't a Premier League club, Henderson could be tempted for an emotional return to Sunderland as they push for promotion back to the top flight. Michael Beale's side looked short of quality in midfield in the Wear-Tyne derby and would no doubt be improved with someone of Henderson's calibre.
Whether Henderson would drop down to the Championship is a different question. When he came through the club's academy, Sunderland were an established top-flight outfit, with the Black Cats finishing 10th - above Newcastle - in Henderson's final season at the club.
Henderson could value himself as more than a Championship player, however, having never played at that level before and with one eye on the England squad for Euro 2024 this summer.
Jordan Henderson playing for Sunderland in 2009 (Getty Images)Brighton
Brighton could benefit from some extra experience this month and who better to look at than Henderson, who has totalled together almost 700 career appearances during his career. The Seagulls are still in the Europa League and will be eyeing up the FA Cup, too, having progressed to the fourth round with a 4-2 win over Stoke on Saturday.
Former Liverpool team-mates Adam Lallana and James Milner could also convince Henderson to join Brighton if an offer was made for the midfielder. Lallana, Milner and Henderson were all key cogs in Liverpool's Premier League title win in 2020 after the trio won the Champions League a year earlier.
Jordan Henderson is eyeing a return to the Premier League (Getty Images)Should Jordan Henderson leave Al-Ettifaq this month? Let us know in the comments below!
Newcastle
He couldn't, could he? Henderson began his career at Newcastle's bitter rivals Sunderland but Eddie Howe's side may dip into the market for a new midfielder in the transfer window and the ex-Liverpool man could be an option. Kalvin Phillips is among the others who have been linked to the Magpies this month.
Joelinton picked up a thigh problem in the Wear-Tyne derby and 17-year-old Lewis Miley has played more minutes than he may have thought this season. Sean Longstaff has also spent time out in recent months and Howe could be keen to strengthen his midfield, with Henderson an experienced
Celtic
Brendan Rodgers worked alongside Henderson during his tenure as Liverpool manager. And the Northern Irishman could be eager for a reunion as he tries to add a top-quality midfielder in January.
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Like the Sunderland option, would Henderson want to move to the Scottish Premiership? There were questions raised about the profile and standard of the Saudi Pro League when Henderson went over there, so that shouldn't make too much of a difference if he did receive a proposal from Celtic.
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