Players are escaping the Saudi Arabian league, and then some. Jordan Henderson (33), formerly of Liverpool, and Karim Benzema (36, Al Ittihad), formerly of Real Madrid.
Dutch giants Ajax announced on Monday that they had “signed Henderson until June 2026.” He wears the number 6 shirt.
Henderson is a Liverpool staple, having joined the club from Sunderland in 2011. While Henderson was sometimes criticized for underwhelming performances, he was characteristically prolific and hardworking, never missing a game in red for 12 seasons.
He even wore the captain’s armband from the 2015-2016 season, and last season he was still a regular in Liverpool’s midfield, making 43 appearances across all competitions.
With Liverpool, 카지노사이트 Henderson won the EPL title in 2019-2020 and the FA Cup in 2021-2022.
He was also part of Liverpool’s European domination. Henderson reached the top of the UEFA Champions League (UCL) in the 2018-2019 and 2021-2022 seasons.
His Liverpool career tally is 492 official appearances, 33 goals and 57 assists.
Just before this season, Henderson headed to the Saudi Arabian league. He moved to Al Etifaq.
However, Henderson’s time in Saudi Arabia lasted only about six months. It was alleged that he didn’t adapt to the culture and weather. It’s also possible that he was unmotivated by Al Etifa’s eighth-place finish in the league.
According to The Telegraph, Henderson, who has terminated his contract with Al Ahly, will likely not be paid for six months.
Henderson had delayed receiving his weekly wages during his time in Saudi Arabia due to tax issues. With this move, he may not receive his weekly paycheck. His weekly wage at Al Etihad Park is reportedly £350,000.
Henderson could be followed by Karim Benzema, who left Real Madrid for Al Ittihad in June last year.
On June 18, global media outlet ESPN reported that “Benzema is looking for a new destination” and that he is unhappy in Saudi Arabia.
Benzema moved to Saudi Arabia just before this season after reaching the top of his game at Real Madrid.
Benzema made his Real debut in 2009 at the age of 21 and played 14 seasons with the club until last season, during which time he won four Spanish La Liga titles, three national cups, and five UEFA Champions League titles.
Benzema was the top scorer in La Liga in the 2021-2022 season (27 goals) and won the Ballon d’Or in 2022. Last season, he finished second in La Liga in scoring, responsible for 18 goals despite being 35 years old.
With 353 goals in 647 career appearances for Real, Benzema is the club’s second all-time leading scorer.
On parting ways with Benzema, Real said: “Benzema, a ‘representative player’ who has raised our values, has now earned the right to decide his future, and Real will always be his home. 카지노사이트 순위 We wish Benzema and his family all the best in this new phase of his life.” Boasting a €200 million ($284 million) ransom, Benzema headed to the Middle East.
However, after half a year, Benzema seems to want out of the Saudi Arabian league.
According to Spanish outlet Marca, Benzema has been absent from Al Ittihad’s preseason training. Chelsea were immediately linked with a move to Al Ahly, but the club are determined to keep hold of Benzema. His contract runs until 2026.