Juventus linked with shock swoop to sign Jordan Henderson as England international desperately seeks Saudi escape route

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Juventus see Henderson as an option to help strengthen their squad this month and have already made contact with the player over a potential loan. Ready to leave Al-Ettifaq so soon, he is said to want an 18-month loan - that would take him to end of the first part of his 2+1 contract with the Saudi club.

Henderson was recently described as 'desperate' to return to the Premier League amid poor results, underwhelming crowds and rumours he is having difficulties adapting on and off the pitch. Leaving now stands to see him forgo millions in lost wages and be hit with an enormous tax bill for good measure as the 'tax free' incentive in his contract doesn't kick in until he has been in Saudi Arabia for two years. Yet his reputation has already diminished, perceived to have traded in his values for money, having previously been a visible supporter of LGBTQ+ rights before moving to a country where homosexuality remains illegal.

Reports at the time of his July move suggested Henderson's contract in Saudi Arabia of up to three years is worth almost £700,000 ($892,000) per week - more than three times his Liverpool salary. If he leaves in January, he could have to pay back £7 million ($9m) in tax.

Henderson has continued to be selected by England manger Gareth Southgate but may consider it important for his prospects of having an important role at Euro 2024 this coming summer to be back in an elite league, rather than a developing one. Juventus, meanwhile, may have to offload a player before they have the budget to recruit the 33-year-old, with Moise Kean named by Di Marzio for a potential exit.