8 big names and how they've fare in Saudi as Henderson ends nightmare
The mega-bucks of the Saudi Pro League were felt for the first time during last summer's transfer window.
But it has been a very mixed experience for those who decided to follow the money and move out to the Middle East. Jordan Henderson has become the first to cut and run, with the midfielder ripping up his contract at Al-Ettifaq.
It was a miserable six months for the former Liverpool captain after opting to link up with Steven Gerrard. But Henderson is not the only one who endured a difficult time in the Middle East.
A plethora of big names decided to take the Saudi cash and move to the developing league. Here, Mirror Football looks at how eight of those players have fared since moving in the summer window.
Roberto Firmino
Leading the exits from Liverpool in the summer to move to Saudi was Roberto Firmino, who left on free transfer for Al-Ahli. He was originally named captain but was stripped of the armband midway through the campaign.
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The Brazilian has scored just three goals, all of which came in a hat-trick on the opening day of the season. He has recently seen his role reduced to that of a substitute, though is planning to see the season through.
Karim Benzema
Karim Benzema has been looking to leave Al-Ittihad (Getty Images)One of the biggest names to move over to Saudi was Karim Benzema, who at the time was Real Madrid captain. Benzema had just led Los Blancos to winning the Copa del Rey when he joined Al-Ittihad on a free transfer.
The Frenchman has scored 12 goals and become captain of the reigning champions, though it has been a difficult season. They find themselves seventh in the table, with Benzema dropping heavy hints he will look to leave Ittihad. He was recently excluded from a club trip to Dubai after missing several training sessions.
Riyad Mahrez
Riyad Mahrez has enjoyed a successful season for Al-Ahli (Getty Images)While Firmino has struggled at Al-Ahli, Riyad Mahrez has thrived since joining from Manchester City. The attacker has scored nine goals and notched eight assists for The Royals.
Mahrez's form has helped Matthias Jaissle's side to third place in the Saudi top-flight. It is highly unlikely that the Algerian will leave Ahli any time soon, with his contract having three years left to run.
Fabinho
Fabinho has become a key player for Al-IttihadFabinho was one of the bigger shocks of the transfer window, with Al-Ittihad buying him from Liverpool. The Brazilian quickly established himself as one of the club's key players as he linked up with Benzema.
The midfielder has made 21 appearances in all competitions, as well as captaining the side on occasion. After a seven-game spell out of the squad, he has returned to take his place back in the starting line-up, though it has been a tough season for Ittihad.
Sadio Mane
Sadio Mane has starred for Al-Nassr (AFP via Getty Images)Sadio Mane brought an end to a miserable spell at Bayern Munich by joining Al-Nassr in the summer. The attacker has starred alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, scoring 12 goals and notching six assists.
Though he went 11 games without a goal in the Pro League, Mane continued to keep his place in the team. His performances have helped Nassr to emerge as Al-Hilal's closest challengers for the title.
N'Golo Kante
N'Golo Kante has become a key player for Al-Ittihad (Getty Images)N'Golo Kante struggled badly with injury towards the end of his time at Chelsea. But he has pushed those concerns aside since joining Ittihad, making 23 appearances in all competitions.
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Though it has been a miserable title defence from the reigning champions, Kante has shown why he was once the world's best defensive midfielder. But his move to Saudi has also come at the cost of his international career, with Kante having no chance of reclaiming his place with France.
Neymar
Neymar's season has been ruined by an ACL injury (Getty)Along with Benzema, arguably the biggest name to move to Saudi was Neymar. But he was able to make just five appearances for Al-Hilal before suffering a devastating ACL injury, with Brazil's team doctor recently ruling him out until next season.
"There's no point in skipping steps to recover sooner and taking unnecessary risks,” Rodrigo Lasmar told Rede 98. “Our expectation is that he will be prepared to return at the start of the 2024 season in Europe, which is August. We need to be patient."
Georginio Wijnaldum
Georginio Wijnaldum has also been plagued by injuries in the few seasons since leaving Liverpool. Moves to PSG and Roma failed to work out and Wijnaldum ended his career at the top level by moving to Al-Ettifaq.
The Dutchman has been a key player, starting 14 games for Steven Gerrard's side. But he will now see midfield partner Henderson leave dramatically, while Ettifaq have not won a game since October.
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