By Darwin Largo
Last summer many stars decided to leave Europe to accept multi-million dollar offers from Pro League teams. Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli signed several top players such as Neymar Junior, Karim Benzema, Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino, N'Golo Kanté and Riyad Mahrez with the aim of improving their teams and turning the Saudi Arabian league into one of the world's top tournaments.
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Trouble at Al-Ittihad, Benzema absent and coach makes tough decision on him
But this only partly worked. While the Pro League is now much more talked about than before and match broadcast ratings have improved, not all has gone well. Reports indicate that some players are regretting going to Saudi Arabia and want to return to Europe as soon as possible. The unbearable heat, the cultural differences and the lack of enthusiasm of the fans are some of the reasons.
One of the players who wants to leave is Jordan Henderson. The English midfielder left Liverpool last summer, tempted by an impressive offer from Al-Ettifaq. There he was reunited with Steven Gerrard, a Reds legend who was his teammate in England and is now the coach of the Saudi team. However, things did not go well. Al-Ettifaq are in eighth place in the standings, almost 30 points behind leaders Al-Hilal, and Henderson is not happy in Asia.
That is why, according to The Athletic, he reached an agreement with his club to terminate his contract and transfer to Ajax. Jordan's salary at Al-Ettifaq was £700,000-a-week (about $45 million per year), but he agreed to an impressive 75% cut to make a move to the Dutch side possible. However, he will still earn a fortune in the Eredivisie: nearly $12 million per season.
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Four reasons why Karim Benzema and other stars want to leave Saudi Arabia
In addition to Jordan Henderson, other stars want to leave Saudi Arabia to return to Europe during this transfer window. Roberto Firmino was targeted by Sheffield United, while Karim Benzema, in conflict with Al-Ittihad, is the striker Chelsea and Manchester United are dreaming of.
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