Jordan Henderson Set to Hold Crunch Talks With Steven Gerrard as Al Ettifaq Make Feeling Clear on His Exit

Al Ettifaq captain Jordan Henderson‘s imminent exit is the talk of the town. Yet to officially communicate his exit plans with the club, he will probably meet with the head coach Steven Gerrard, and sporting director Mark Allen in Abu Dhabi in the next two days. However, the Dammam-based outfit is not willing to sell or loan Henderson during this transfer window. Neither will the club be forced to do so, as per renowned journalist Ben Jacobs.

The former Liverpool captain has been mulling an exit from Saudi primarily due to Al Ettifaq’s lackluster run in the season. They are the eighth-seeded team. Furthermore, most matches of the club register embarrassingly low attendance. Additionally, the climate and culture in the Middle East have also reportedly posed a challenge to Henderson and his family. With a potential exit looming over, the player is linked to clubs in the Premier League, the German League, Italy’s Serie A, and the Dutch League.

Jordan Henderson had joined Al Ettifaq on a three-year $15 million deal. Since he has asked out of the club in barely six months after inking the deal, the club is not likely to grant him a smooth exit. Besides, Steven Gerrard is still confident about amping up the roster with his former Liverpool teammate at its epicenter. Elsewhere, Henderson’s exit plans have spread like wildfire. And five clubs across Europe now compete for the veteran midfielder’s signature.

Top European clubs race to capitalize on Jordan Henderson’s potential exit

Per recent reports, Dutch Eredivisie powerhouse Ajax is leading the race to sign the 2019 UEFA Champions League winner. However, Ajax has been underperforming lately. Therefore, Hendo won’t truly be able to raise the stakes if he leaves one lackluster side for the other. Meanwhile, prior rumors had it that the 33-year-old midfielder himself had shown interest in German clubs Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen. So Henderson’s move to Germany cannot be ruled out.

READ MORE: Revealed: 4 Reasons Why Jordan Henderson & Roberto Firmino Could Lead Saudi Exodus Next Season Despite Fat Paychecks

Besides these clubs, PL’s Newcastle is also interested in landing the veteran. Players’ injuries and suspensions have marred the Newcastle midfield. Besides, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund owns Newcastle. So, if things go well, Newcastle could be Hendo’s easy route to return to Europe and the PL. Elsewhere, Italy’s Juventus is also looking for Henderson’s services. Juventus needs to compensate for star midfielder Paul Pogba’s absence and what better option have they got than the ex-Liverpool skipper? Anyhow, these clubs and soccer fans will have to wait another two days to discover if Hendo and Gerrard will part ways.

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