Jordan Henderson could be forced to STAY in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ettifaq having ‘no interest in doing business’

JORDAN HENDERSON is set to remain in Saudia Arabia as Al-Ettifaq have no interest in letting the midfielder go in January.

The former Liverpool star was open to a loan deal and had been on Ajax and Juventus' transfer radar.

1

Henderson, 33, will continue to remain in the Gulf State after revealing he wanted to return to Europe on a loan.

The ex-Reds star signed for fellow Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard's Saudi side in the summer on a permanent move worth £12million.

Al-Ettifaq officials are now set to hold talks with the midfielder later this week over the transfer rumours.

The club chiefs are going to inform Henderson they never had any interest in doing business during the January transfer window.

READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS

SAUDI SWOOP

Chelsea could make stunning move for Benzema or Firmino to solve striker crisis

CAMPER

Win a VW Tiguan R plus £5k or £35k cash alternative from just 22p with our discount

And the idea of Henderson leaving Gerrard's side was just a rumour and was never going to take place.

The Liverpool legend has struggled to settle down with his young family in Saudi Arabia.

He was keen to join one of the many European clubs that showed interest in him, as he aimed to earn a place on Gareth Southgate’s squad for Euro 2024 this summer.

Henderson since his move has made 19 appearances for the Saudi Pro League as they currently sit eighth in the table.

Most read in Football

Varcical

Isak denied goal by 'worst offside decision ever seen' after VAR blunder

RUB OUT THE PAIN

Amorim tells Man Utd why post-Fergie bosses failed with stars 'blown away'

WALE OF A TIME

Wales promoted to Nations League A and may face England after rivals lose

KEEPING MUM

Palmer makes first public appearance with girlfriend.. and brings his MUM too

FREE BETS - BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES

Ajax had the midfielder at the top of their transfer list with caretaker boss John van't Schip confirming the club's interest at the weekend.

He said after their 3-2 win against Go Ahead Eagles: "I can confirm the club and Henderson are talking. He has to deal with his club now."

Italian giants Juventus who have eyed up fellow England teammate Kalvin Phillips wanted to bring in three midfielders and saw Henderson as a perfect fit.

Now the former Sunderland star is set to remain in the Gulf and battle for a spot on the Three Lions squad with his mid-table Saudi side.