According to journalist Alex Crook, Newcastle’s chances of signing one player who has recently been linked with a move to Tyneside are slim.
Newcastle was controversially named as one among the clubs interested in signing Jordan Henderson in January, as the midfielder looks to leave Al Ettifaq early.
Crook told talkSPORT that few, if any, clubs will be able to pay Henderson’s salary in Saudi Arabia, casting doubt on any potential move to Newcastle.
Henderson’s comeback to the Premier League is in doubt.
After only six months in Saudi Arabia, Henderson is already seeking for the earliest possible return to the Premier League.
The difficulty is that he is said to be paid astronomical pay that no other team can afford right now, ranging from £350,000 to £700,000 each week.
Newcastle will not make a bid for the 33-year-old if that is the case, as they have been very careful not to breach their salary structure at any costs, though this will ultimately have to change.
It was surprising to see Henderson’s name connected with Newcastle given his ties to Sunderland, but if it isn’t enough to dissuade the club from making an offer, his salaries would.
On the show, Crook said: “I think on his present income, obviously we’re hearing different sums, is it £700,000 a week, is it £350,000 a week.
“Either way, when it comes to the Premier League, I don’t think any club will match that pay, making it tough for Henderson to return to English football at this time.
“We’ve already revealed numerous European clubs to which he has been offered, including Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen from Germany.
“Napoli has also been mentioned to me in Italy, as has Ajax this morning. So, if Jordan Henderson does leave Saudi Arabia, which is far from certain given Ben Jacobs’ comments over the previous 48 hours that Al-Ettifaq and the Saudi Pro League do not want to lose him, I believe a move to Europe is the most likely option.
“But certainly Henderson is pushing to get out and the fear that he won’t be selected by Gareth Southgate for the Euros at the end of the season is the biggest factor.”
Al-Ettifaq vs. Al-Ittihad – Saudi Professional League
Newcastle would rather sign no one but Henderson.
From a fan’s standpoint, signing Henderson may provide depth in a position where the squad is currently struggling, but it also contradicts everything the club stands for.
It would be almost as horrible as bringing in Jordan Pickford, a decision that seems doomed to fail at some time and that fans will never really embrace.
If you ask fans, the majority would prefer go without a new player in January, despite the fact that the club sorely needs reinforcements, than sign Henderson, even if it is only on a short-term contract.
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