Jordan Henderson is poised to conclude his Saudi Arabian escapade and depart from Al-Ittifaq after a mere half-year. Henderson is en route to unite with Ajax Amsterdam.
In brief, Henderson’s move to Ajax seems imminent as he is set to leave Al Ettifaq. This news comes just six months after his high-profile transfer from Liverpool to the Saudi Pro League, which marked the end of his impressive 12-year tenure with the Reds. The 33-year-old, who has represented England 81 times, had initially signed a lucrative three-year deal with Al Ettifaq last summer. However, both parties are now working towards terminating his contract early, enabling Henderson to join Ajax without the need for a transfer fee.
Henderson’s return to European competition is gradually materializing as he concludes his winter training with Al Ettifaq in Abu Dhabi and prepares to travel to the UK. While the completion of the required paperwork and final details is still pending, there has been a preliminary agreement reached for his transfer to Ajax.
Earlier reports had indicated that Juventus had also expressed interest in securing the services of the English midfielder. However, it appears that Ajax has emerged as the victor in this race.
During his brief tenure in the Middle East, Henderson participated in 17 matches under the guidance of Steven Gerrard, another revered figure from Liverpool, and provided four assists. Despite initially hoping to contribute to the development of the club and the league, as he openly expressed in an interview with The Athletic, Henderson’s time in Saudi Arabia was shorter than anticipated.
The former Liverpool captain’s move to Saudi Arabia faced significant criticism as well.
Now, as he shifts his focus to Ajax, a club that has faced its own challenges following a decline in performance after winning the 2022 Eredivisie title, Henderson brings a wealth of experience and leadership qualities with him.
His return to European soil not only marks a new chapter in his remarkable career but also enhances his chances of securing a place in England’s squad for Euro 2024.