2024-01-18 21:15:00
Contents
Suddenly the stars want to go back: The initial hype regarding Saudi Arabia seems to be over.
Yawningly empty stadiums, in no man’s land in the table: Jordan Henderson had somehow imagined the oh-so “exciting adventure” in Saudi Arabia differently. The long-time Liverpool captain has only been playing for Al-Ettifaq for five months and now he’s gone once more.
The 33-year-old has agreed to terminate his contract with his club and is joining Ajax Amsterdam. The Dutch club confirmed this on Thursday.
Henderson, whose move to the desert was heavily criticized because of his previous commitment to gay rights, had reportedly been toying with a return to Europe for some time. The reason, as the English media wrote, not without a mocking undertone, was the poor level of sport and the low level of spectator interest in Saudi Arabia. The former Champions League winner last played in front of 696 spectators in the away game at Al-Riyad, while only 610 fans wanted to see the game at Al-Fayha.
Legend: One returns quickly, the other soon? Karim Benzema and Jordan Henderson. Getty Images/Yasser Bakhsh
Benzema: Death by chance in the desert
Karim Benzema also learned that money isn’t everything. The Frenchman, who was introduced with great fanfare in the summer, is down with many Al-Ittihad fans following numerous wasted opportunities, and he is particularly fond of his missed penalty in the quarter-finals of the Club World Cup. After several insults – and a controversial Gaza post – the 35-year-old even switched off his Instagram account, which had at least 76 million followers, at the end of December.
It is said that Benzema also wants to go back to Europe, but 8th place in the table is not enough for him. The former Real star recently missed the start of training. How it goes on? Open. The league won’t start once more until mid-February, and the transfer window will also be open in Saudi Arabia by then.
Firmino suddenly sorted out
There is also speculation regarding a quick farewell from the desert surrounding Roberto Firmino. After a good start at Al-Ahli, the Brazilian not only lost the captaincy but also his regular place. Last season he scored regularly in the Premier and Champions League (for Liverpool).
Legend: Is the captain’s armband loose? Roberto Firmino at Al-Ahli. Getty Images/Yasser Bakhsh
His big problem: Apparently no one in Europe wants to pay the princely salary that Firmino receives in Saudi Arabia.
Will Benzema make room for Jota?
And then there is the Portuguese Jota. Al-Ittihad transferred 29 million euros to Celtic Glasgow in July for the winger. It’s just stupid: After a spending spree, the club has too many foreigners in the squad, Jota is only number 9. With bad consequences: the 24-year-old has not been in the squad since mid-September and is now serving out his contract.
Jota also wants to leave once more. Although: Maybe he will soon be promoted to number 8 foreigner at Al-Ittihad. Teammate Benzema is said to be almost gone.
1705625159
#Saudi #Arabia #Europe #simply #Benzema #Henderson #desert #lost #appeal #Sport
