In another twist to this ongoing saga, it has emerged that Jordan Henderson has yet to be paid by Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq, six months after penning a multi-million pound contract.
The 33-year-old England international, who left Liverpool in the summer after 12 years, is set to leave Al Ettifaq with just 19 first-team appearances to his name.
Henderson has struggled to settle into life in the Middle East, according to widespread reports, which has led to his impending departure in the January window.
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Al Ettifaq have agreed to terminate the midfielder's contract to facilitate a move to Eredivisie outfit Ajax, according to Sky Sports, who claim the Dutch club are prepared to offer him an 18-month deal plus the option of a further year.
Henderson has already travelled to Europe to complete the transfer, but he has departed without earning any of his £350,000-per-week salary.
The Telegraph claim Henderson deferred all of his salary payments to avoid UK tax, meaning the midfielder has yet to earn a penny from his short stint at the Prince Mohammad bin Fahd Stadium.
In fact, sources close to the player believe he 'may never be paid' for the six-month spell.
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The report goes on to explain that the decision to defer his wages is unclear but it could have been so that he could 'return to Britain to play for England in the short term, unrestricted by the time limitations placed on those without UK taxpayer status’.
In addition, returning to Britain with his family to visit friends and relatives was also said to be part of the consideration.
Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol has given an insight into Henderson's sudden departure from Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq as he gets ready to pen a deal with Ajax.
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"The Saudi Pro League, Saudi Arabia Football Federation and Al Ettifaq are happy there has been a quick conclusion so everyone can move forward," he said.
"They know Henderson was a good professional for the club but accept he didn't settle and respect his desire to leave.
"Once it became clear he wanted to leave, Al Ettifaq did not stand in his way. In fact they fast-tracked his departure so they could do business in this window.
"His contract will be terminated on financial conditions that mean the club will not really lose out.
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"Everyone tried to make it work. It didn't. No one is to blame, no one is upset and there are no hard feelings. It's just part of football and life."
Topics: Saudi Pro League, Saudi Arabia, Jordan Henderson, Liverpool
Jack Kenmare