Jordan Henderson sent brutal eight-word message by Richard Keys over PL return

09 January 2024 , 06:53

928     0

Jordan Henderson sent brutal eight-word message by Richard Keys over PL return

Richard Keys has questioned whether Jordan Henderson can still cut it in the Premier League.

Henderson left Liverpool for the Saudi Pro League over the summer after more than a decade at Anfield, linking up with his former Reds team-mate Steven Gerrard. But things haven't gone to plan, though, with Al-Ettifaq falling away after a strong start to the season and the veteran midfielder still waiting for his first goal in his new surroundings. Now reports claim the England midfielder wants to cut short his Saudi spell.

Keys, who has worked as a broadcaster for beIN Sports for a number of years, has been keeping tabs on Henderson's move to Saudi Arabia. The midfielder isn't the only player to struggle after an influx of talent from European leagues, and his quality - or lack thereof - has come into focus.

“So Jordan Henderson wants to end his ‘Saudi hell’ and return to the PL? Really?” Keys asked on his blog. “What makes him think he’s still good enough?”

Henderson's link-up play with Moussa Dembele in the early part of the season served Gerrard's side well. However, since Dembele's injury - from which the striker only recently recovered - things have been tougher.

Chelsea complete record-breaking Enzo Fernandez transfer after deadline day rush

Ettifaq sit eighth in the table, with a busy summer failing to yield the results they might have hoped for. Gerrard also reportedly finds himself under pressure, having seen a number of other Saudi Pro League managers relieved of their duties this season, but Henderson's situation is thought to be complicated by his hefty wages.

Is Jordan Henderson still good enough to start in the Premier League? Have your say in the comments section

Jordan Henderson has been linked with a European return (Getty Images)

The 33-year-old is under contract at the Dammam-based club until 2026. And, while there have been conflicting reports over his pay packet, he is understood to be on serious money.

It is being reported that the tax-free element of Henderson's wages will only kick in if he spends at least two years with Al-Ettifaq. A January exit would therefore see him forfeit a significant sum, while those in charge are believed to want to make a profit on a player who commanded a healthy transfer fee on top of his wages.

Then there's the question of what happens to Gerrard. The current boss was already a fan of Henderson's before coaxing him to the club and is said to remain keen to build a team around him, but a change of manager could bring fresh questions - both in terms of whether a new boss sees things the same way, and whether Henderson would be as keen on a stay with Gerrard gone.

Tom Victor