Jordan Henderson could soon leave Saudi Arabia for Europe as clubs show interest

Jordan Henderson could well make a quick exit from Saudi Arabia and its football league, with a number of European clubs reportedly showing interest in signing the former Liverpool star.

The 33-year-old Englishman is "exploring his options" with clubs including Ajax, Bayer Leverkusen, and Newcastle United, sports news outlets reported this week.

The news follows reports last week that Henderson wanted to leave Saudi Arabia, less than six months after signing a lucrative three-year contract with Pro League side Al-Ettifaq.

He has been struggling with the hot and humid playing conditions, and left uninspired by low match attendance, the Mail on Sunday reported.

A move away from Saudi Arabia could reportedly cost Henderson millions of pounds in taxes and lost wages.

Henderson was one of several big names from European football to move to Saudi Arabia, where the country's rulers poured hundreds of millions of pounds into attracting international talent for its top league last summer.

He had said that part of what had enticed him to join Al-Ettifaq was its signing of England and Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard as manager.

But Gerrard has had a tough time managing the club.

Though Al-Ettifaq got off to a good start to the season, their form quickly took a turn for the worse. They are currently at eighth place in the league's standings, and a staggering 28 points behind current leaders Al-Hilal.