JORDAN HENDERSON is now banking £700,000 a week tax free in Saudi Arabia.
Yet while the Pro League is a guaranteed cash bonanza for players, the situation is not so certain for the managers.
EPASteven Gerrard could face a huge tax bill if he is sacked by Al-Ettifaq[/caption]
They don’t enjoy the same contract protection as players.
Steven Gerrard is managing Al-Ettifaq while his pal Robbie Fowler is in charge of second-tier side Al-Qadsiah in a neighbouring city.
Yet both bosses are more than aware that they are expected to bring instant success and both will be sacked if results dip. Fowler in particular is under pressure.
And here is where the financial situation could get messy.
If either boss gets the boot in the next two years and returns to England — which is entirely possible — they will be hit with a huge bill from HMRC.
Both players and bosses must remain out of the country for a full tax year for their earnings to remain tax-free — not normally a problem for the players.
Also, Henderson, Gerrard and Fowler are allowed to return to the UK — but for no more than 91 days in the tax year.
Since taking over Al-Ettifaq in July, has lost just one of his competitive five matches in charge.
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A win over Damac in their final match before the international break saw his side remain in fifth place in the Saudi Pro League.
Al-Ettifaq return to action on Friday with a trip to Abha Club.
As for Fowler’s Al-Qadsiah, they are unbeaten in third place in the second tier.