Jack Hendry Signs New Al Ettifaq Deal to Become Scotland’s Highest-Paid International
Jack Hendry's career has taken another significant step in Saudi Arabia, with the Scotland defender reportedly agreeing a new two-year contract at Al Ettifaq on substantially improved terms.
According to Sky Sports News reporter Anthony Joseph, the agreement will make Hendry the highest-paid Scotland international, underlining both his value to Al Ettifaq and the growing financial influence of the Saudi Pro League.
The 31-year-old joined Al Ettifaq from Club Brugge in 2023 and has become an established figure within the club's defensive setup. While no official financial details have been disclosed, the reported contract extension is understood to represent a significant increase on his previous terms.
The report states that Al Ettifaq's head of football, Hatim Al Misehal, was determined to retain Hendry and played a leading role in securing the defender's long-term future at the club.
A Reward for Stability and Experience
Hendry's career has been defined by persistence and progression.
After emerging in Scottish football and later earning a move to Celtic, the centre-back experienced a mixed spell before rebuilding his reputation through successful periods in Belgium and on the international stage with Scotland.
His performances for Scotland have made him a trusted option for the national team, particularly during recent qualification campaigns and major tournament appearances.
The reported contract extension suggests Al Ettifaq view Hendry as an important part of their plans, both on and off the pitch. Experienced international defenders remain highly valued across the Saudi Pro League, where clubs continue to balance elite foreign signings with established professionals capable of providing leadership and consistency.
What the Deal Says About the Saudi Market
The significance of this story extends beyond one player.
Saudi clubs have attracted global attention through headline-grabbing transfers involving some of football's biggest names. However, the league's recruitment strategy has increasingly included experienced internationals who may not command worldwide attention but bring proven quality and reliability.
Hendry falls firmly into that category.
For Scotland, the development highlights the changing financial realities facing international footballers. While Premier League stars often dominate headlines, lucrative contracts in emerging football markets are increasingly reshaping career decisions for players across Europe.
If the reported figures are accurate, Hendry's new agreement would place him above every other current Scotland international in terms of salary, marking a remarkable achievement for a player whose path to the top level has rarely been straightforward.
With the defender now entering his early thirties, securing a long-term deal provides certainty at a stage of his career when many players begin considering their next move.
For Al Ettifaq, retaining an experienced international defender avoids the need to enter the market for a replacement and demonstrates the club's commitment to maintaining continuity within the squad.
As things stand, the reported agreement appears to represent a win for all parties involved: a player rewarded for his performances, a club retaining an important figure, and Scotland keeping one of its most experienced defenders settled ahead of future international commitments.
