The 2023 summer transfer market witnessed a significant exodus of soccer superstars departing from the top European leagues to the Middle East to join the Saudi Pro League. Arab stakeholders targeted all the top-five leagues, with a focus on the English Premier League.
In particular, Liverpool felt the impact, parting ways with three key players six months ago to join Pro League clubs. Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah is the latest target for them in the upcoming summer window. Now, two of them, namely Roberto Firmino and Jordon Henderson, are seeking exits from the league.
Why Roberto Firmino wants to leave Saudi Pro League?
The former Liverpool star striker, Roberto Firmino, is reportedly linked with a sensational return to the Premier League. The Brazilian bid farewell to Anfield after eight years of service to move to the Saudi Pro League along with his club skipper Jordan Henderson and Fabinho.
The Brazilian international had a reputation for being a prolific goal scorer with underrated playmaking skills in Europe, netting 160 goals and providing 106 assists during his entire stay while playing for Liverpool and Hoffenheim in a total of over 500 matches.
However, the 32-year-old has failed to replicate his prowess for his new side, despite a promising beginning with an exhilarating hat-trick on his debut. However, things have not been the same, as the Brazilian international has been goalless in the previous 18 matches since his first appearance.
Consequently, Firmino was stripped of the team’s captaincy as well and eventually lost his place in Al-Ahli’s starting eleven, making substitute appearances in his previous seven Saudi Pro League matches. Thus, the player is now exploring options to return to Europe.
Jordan Henderson seeks PL return
Jordan Henderson was one of the prominent names in Jurgen Klopp’s side who made a shocking switch to join forces with Steven Gerrard, his former teammate, and club legend, after Al-Ittifaq hired him as the new boss. Gerrard quickly secured the midfielder by paying a £12 million release clause to the Reds.
The Champions League-winning player with Liverpool is seemingly facing challenges settling in the Middle Eastern nation. Despite earning a high wage, Henderson wants to return to the Premier League only after the halfway season and he is considering the offers the club received, as per the Daily Mail.
His return would boost his chances of being included in Gareth Southgate’s England Euro 2024 squad. Also, It is believed that the heat and temperature conditions in Saudi Arabia is not suiting the Englishmen
Moreover, the low attendance figures in club matches have dampened the spirits of Jordan Henderson, who used to experience the electric atmosphere of European jam-packed stadiums. He is even ready to accept less than his current salary in the EPL.
Do you want to see Firmino and Henderson back in the Premier League? Tell us in the comments.
