Steven Gerrard has been dealt a blow with club captain Jordan Henderson reportedly desperate to seal an exit from Al-Ettifaq to return to the Premier League.
The Daily Mail reports that former Liverpool skipper Henderson is hopeful of returning to the Premier League after failing to settle in Saudi Arabia.
The England international had made a £12m switch to join Gerrard at Al-Ettifaq in the summer.
However, it's claimed Henderson has struggled to contend with the heat and playing conditions in Saudi alongside "less than inspiring" 7,500 attendance figures for Al-Ettifaq.
The report also cites abuse over Henderson's alleged disregard for LGBTQ+ campaigning in accepting the move to Saudi as a reason for his desire to leave the club.
It's thought Henderson is considering his position and is on holiday during the Saudi League winter break.
On top of off-the-field issues, former Rangers boss Gerrard's side are eight matches without a win with reports suggesting only his legendary status has saved his job to this point.
Henderson is reportedly ready to consider a major pay-cit and writing off millions in tax in order to return to the Premier League.
Reports from the summer suggested the ex-Liverpool midfielder would earn up to £700,000-per-week in Saudi Arabia.
However, it's stated the tax-free portion of his wage is only applicable if Henderson sees out the first two years of his deal at Al-Ettifaq.
It means a quickfire exit for Henderson could end up costing the midfielder up to £7m.
