Jordan Henderson in Talks to Join Juventus on Loan
Jordan Henderson, the former Liverpool midfielder, is reportedly in talks to join Italian giants Juventus on loan. Henderson made a controversial move to Saudi Arabia six months ago, joining Al-Ettifaq. However, he is said to be unsettled in Saudi Arabia due to the playing conditions and poor attendance figures. Additionally, he faced backlash from the LGBTQ+ community over his move. Henderson had hoped for a return to the Premier League but has received little interest, with only Ajax enquiring about his availability.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Juventus has made a play to sign Henderson and is in advanced talks with the player and his entourage. The club is hoping to secure a loan rather than a transfer, which Al-Ettifaq is willing to accommodate. The loan would cover the remaining 18 months of Henderson’s contract with Al-Ettifaq.
Henderson is willing to take a massive pay cut to secure the move to Juventus. He is currently on a £692,000-a-week deal with Al-Ettifaq but is willing to accept a salary worth €2 million (£1.7m) for the remainder of the campaign, effectively a 90% pay cut.
The midfielder is ready to take the hit in order to return to top-level football and secure his place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the Euros. Juventus boss Max Allegri has given the signing the green light and believes Henderson would provide much-needed experience in the middle of the pitch.
Henderson has made 17 appearances and provided four assists in the Saudi Pro League this season. However, Al-Ettifaq has struggled for form and currently sits in 8th place in the table.
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