Where could Jordan Henderson go next following Saudi nightmare?

Jordan Henderson only made the controversial move to Al Ettifaq last summer, but the former Liverpool captain is already desperate to leave Saudi Arabia.

Having seemingly been unimpressed by the humidity and sparse crowds in the Saudi Pro League, the England international is keen to bring his Asian nightmare to an end.

Henderson has reportedly offered himself out to various European clubs already and while he will not be returning to Anfield, he may well find himself back in England soon.

The midfielder's exit will be complicated, with Al Ettifaq not keen to lose their marquee signing of last summer. To allow Henderson to depart permanently, they would want to make a profit on the £12m they spent on him.

Even a loan deal would prove difficult, Al Ettifaq keen for any suitors to cover the entirety of his astronomical salary.

So, where might Henderson end up this winter should he leave Al Ettifaq?

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BAYER LEVERKUSEN

Already playing under a Liverpool icon in Steven Gerrard, Henderson could do exactly the same at Bayer Leverkusen.

The German side are currently coached by the mightily impressive Xabi Alonso, the former Red having helped revolutionise Leverkusen since his arrival at the BayArena.

They currently sit top of the Bundesliga table heading into the second half of the season, meaning they are likely not desperate to add Henderson to their ranks.

Henderson has reportedly offered himself to Leverkusen in January, but he would be nothing more than a bit-part player for Die Werkself.

Given his wages and potential price tag, Alonso will likely pass on the 33-year-old.

BAYERN MUNICH

Another club in Germany that have been offered Henderson are Bayern Munich, the German champions one of the few sides that could afford the midfielder's wages.

Die Roten have found themselves short in midfield this season, especially after failing to sign Joao Palhinha last summer and losing Ryan Gravenberch to Liverpool.

With Konrad Laimer, Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka as Bayern's only senior options in central midfield, excluding the offensive-minded Jamal Musiala and Thomas Muller, Bayern could use with another body heading into the rest of the season.

With Harry Kane already in Bavaria, perhaps soon to be joined by Tottenham's Eric Dier, Henderson could complete a bizarre English trio at the Allianz Arena.

CELTIC

Already being tipped with a potential move to work under former boss Brendan Rodgers, Henderson could certainly do worse than joining Celtic in January.

Whether they can afford him is another matter altogether, but, on paper, it's a signing that makes a lot of sense.

While their relationship got off to a rocky start, Henderson and Rodgers finished on good terms at Anfield prior to the latter's dismissal in 2015.

SUNDERLAND

A return to Sunderland, while perhaps a bit below Henderson's current level, would be the best possible move for his PR, which is at an all-time low.

Henderson began his career at the Stadium of Light, making the switch to Liverpool from boyhood club Sunderland in 2011.

The Championship side, who recently got hammered at home to local rivals Newcastle United in the FA Cup, would certainly not pass up the opportunity to bring a player of Henderson's experience and quality to Wearside, even if a move would be extremely unlikely.

Similarly to Celtic, Sunderland wouldn't be able to afford to sign Henderson permanently, with a loan deal likely too dear for the Black Cats as well.

CHELSEA

Arguably the most bizarre report of recent days, Henderson is apparently a target for Chelsea should they sell Conor Gallagher in the January window.

Perhaps viewed as an experienced leader that could help shape the high-potential youngsters at Stamford Bridge, the Blues would certainly be able to cover his costs.

While it would be odd to see Henderson in the blue of Chelsea, it perhaps isn't a move that is as ridiculous as it sounds.

If a deal was done before deadline day, then Henderson could face Liverpool in one of his first matches, while the midfielder could also potentially clash with the Reds in a Carabao Cup final should he make the move to west London.

We are getting a little ahead of ourselves there, though...