08 January 2024 , 20:48
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Graeme Souness has put forward three possible reasons why fellow former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson wants to leave Saudi Arabia and return to the Premier League.
Henderson, 33, left Liverpool to end a successful 12-year stint and sign for cash-rich Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq in July, who are managed by Anfield legend Steven Gerrard. But amid the team's miserable nine-game losing streak, during which Gerrard has lost his assistant manager, reports have claimed that Henderson wants to come home after six months.
The midfielder continues to be picked for England ahead of Euro 2024 this summer, so Souness has theorised why Henderson would U-turn on his career path. "He [Henderson] would have known about the climate in Saudi Arabia, and known he was going to a much inferior league given the Premier League is the best one out there," Souness told TalkSPORT show White and Jordan.
"I would imagine if they were top of the league and he was being well received as a player they thought they were getting, we would not be talking about this. I think it is a combination of him having a miserable time, and because the club has underachieved."
Souness then went on to discuss the scorching Saudi temperatures and more personal reasons behind Henderson's alleged change of heart. "Could I deal with the heat? Yes. Could I deal with losing every week? Yes," the three-time European Cup winner affirmed.
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"The one thing I could not take was if my wife was not there, I would be like 'I just can't do this.' I am second-guessing, but if she is still living in Cheshire somewhere, and that is what is driving it, that is a whole different argument. The other two I could deal with, I am not sure I could deal with my wife telling me I can't live here."
Souness is confident that the 33-year-old would easily slot into a Premier League side should one snap him up during the January transfer window. "Having played abroad and worked abroad, Jordan Henderson does not have a trick, he is a workaholic, a very steady Eddie, up and down the pitch," the Scot explained. "They make other players embarrassed because of the work they put in."
Your turn! Which Premier League club should sign Jordan Henderson? Let us know your pick in the comments section.
Jordan Henderson only signed for Steven Gerrard's Al-Ettifaq six months ago and is captain (Francois Nel/Getty Images)Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was asked about Henderson's future following the Reds' 2-0 win away to Arsenal in the FA Cup third round on Sunday. "Did Hendo have a press conference and say [that he wants to leave ]?" Klopp quipped to reporters post-match.
"So it is just written? That means for me it is not existing. He hasn't called me. We spoke actually but not about that but I really have nothing to say about that."