If Jordan Henderson is hoping to return to the Premier League fewer than six months after leaving Liverpool for Saudi Arabia, he may not have much luck.

In July, the accomplished midfielder decided to leave Anfield in pursuit of a fresh challenge, joining Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq. Although Henderson’s £12 million signing cost the team, the England star has not been able to get off the ground and it is thought that the Saudi Pro League team is open to bids for him.

Henderson might be even more inclined to go if his former Liverpool teammate is fired as manager of Gerrard’s squad, considering they haven’t won since October. The 33-year-old has made just 19 appearances in the Middle East, and he hasn’t done anything to attract the attention of other teams.

Resurfaced remarks made by former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp after Henderson’s summer departure from Merseyside have dispelled rumors that the midfield player will make an unexpected comeback to the Reds. The principal problem facing the former captain, according to Klopp, is the paucity of playing time available at Anfield.

Speaking in September of last year, Klopp responded to Henderson’s assertion that his departure was motivated by a desire to be “valued” by saying, “Hendo said the truth.” That’s the state of affairs. We had conversations; I told him I wanted him to stay, but we also discussed the possibility of not playing as often.

“Since I don’t know, I can’t tell a gamer they can have 50 games. I felt it was crucial that we discuss “what happens if” in our relationship. I adore Hendo, but when they weren’t playing, he wasn’t all that fantastic; Lucas [Leiva] and James Milner weren’t much better. So now we discuss that.”

Klopp continued by describing Henderson’s difficulty accepting that he would no longer be a constant in the starting lineup. If he were to return to the Reds or quite a few other Premier League teams, this is not something that is likely to change.

Thus, Hendo believed that I didn’t want him there based on his ears and thoughts. Hendo would stay if I claimed he would be my primary man, but I couldn’t. It’s best that he moved on because of this. Not a trace of ill will. Head coach of the greatest Liverpool squad in Premier League history.”

Henderson’s misgivings about switching to Saudi Arabia are thought to have been influenced by a number of distinct circumstances. The midfielder has been thinking about adjusting to his new lifestyle, the weather, and low attendance, according to MailSport.

Henderson is thought to be more than ready to accept a significant wage reduction and write off millions of dollars in taxes in order to rejoin the Premier League. Still, there aren’t exactly a ton of suitors for the elderly former Sunderland man.