Jordan Henderson to hold crucial talks with Al Ettifaq regarding potential January departure

Jordan Henderson is scheduled to meet with Al Ettifaq officials next week to potentially express his desire to part ways with the team, according to 90min.

Henderson, a midfielder, transitioned from Liverpool to Al Ettifaq during the previous summer but appears to have struggled to find his footing in Saudi Arabia. England's upcoming European Championships add to his worries, despite receiving earlier support from Gareth Southgate.

The 33-year-old has yet to directly communicate his concerns to Ettifaq, but it is anticipated that he will express his apprehensions at an upcoming meeting in Abu Dhabi next week. The meeting will be presided over by manager Steven Gerrard and sporting director Mark Allen, providing Henderson with the chance to address his position firsthand.

An official offer for Henderson has yet to be tendered, however, 90min sources confirm preliminary interest in the player from the Premier League, Bundesliga, and Eredivisie's Ajax.

Any possible contenders will face a challenge persuading Ettifaq to release Henderson, who they are not pressured to sell. Henderson's signing was a key move for the team during a summer that also saw Georginio Wijnaldum, Moussa Dembele, Demarai Gray, and Jack Hendry join the Dammam-based club. However, they have not seen a win since October.

Moreover, the Saudi club has expressed no intent of parting with Henderson in January and would likely require a substantial profit opportunity on him before entertaining the notion of a permanent departure.

Unlike certain clubs, Ettifaq doesn't receive funding from the Saudi Public Investment Fund, and though still owned by the Ministry of Sport, lacks substantial wealth.

Beyond his £4m transfer fee, Ettifaq has covered Henderson's income and relocation expenses. Liverpool's secured sell-on clause reduces funds from any potential sale, which means nearly £20m would be required for Ettifaq to achieve substantial profit after accounting for respective expenses.

If Henderson does exit, the most probable method would be through a loan which would necessitate a significant expenditure from the borrower. Ettifaq would expect full payment of Henderson's wages, regardless of any decrease, and would demand a loan fee.

Al Ettifaq, which constituted their present team with Henderson at its core, will only agree to his departure if it financially benefits them and provides the opportunity to immediately secure a replacement this month.