Jordan Henderson has reportedly agreed to leave Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq after just six months.
The former Liverpool captain is close to reaching an agreement with Dutch side Ajax for a return to Europe, according to The Athletic.
Henderson’s exit from Saudi Arabia comes amid reports that his family is unsettled in the Middle East.
However, it also follows criticism after he appeared to turn his back on fighting for LGBT+ causes by moving to a country where homosexuality is illegal.
Henderson, who was paid a reported £700,000 a week in Saudi Arabia, said at the time of his move: “It’s nice to feel wanted. I know Stevie [Gerrard, manager of Al Ettifaq] really wanted me.
“I know the club really wanted me to go and they wanted us to try and build over the next few years – something that is here to stay and be one of the best leagues in the world.”
Saudi Arabia, which stands accused of widespread repression and human rights abuses, including repression of women’s and LGBT+ rights, has spent billions on sport in the past few years in a bid to transform its reputation.
This has included buying Newcastle United, launching a new golf tour and bankrolling a league which has signed some of the world’s most high-profile footballers.
The kingdom is also set to host the 2034 World Cup after an unprecedented fast-tracked process by governing body Fifa.
But despite the riches on offer, the experience has not always been glamorous for Henderson.
After winning the Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup in his 12 years at Liverpool, Henderson has been turning out in front of crowds as small as 696 fans in the searing heat of a country not known for its football.
Al Ettifaq are currently at a winter training camp in Abu Dhabi, where Gerrard, also a former Liverpool captain, is trying to overturn a poor run of form in which his side are winless in nine games.
The club were reluctant to let Henderson leave but are said to have agreed to terminate his contract after holding talks this week.
Henderson, 33, will hope a move to Ajax can help him secure a place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the European Championship this summer.
The midfielder has been booed by fans at Wembley amid a backlash to his transfer to Saudi Arabia and the standard of football he was producing.
