Liverpool legend Jordan Henderson has reportedly secured a preliminary agreement with Ajax, successfully convincing Al-Ettifaq to allow his departure. Despite completing a £12 million ($15m) transfer to Al-Ettifaq in the summer of 2023, the former Liverpool captain is eager to leave the Middle East.
Reports suggest that Henderson’s decision was influenced by the challenges his family has faced in adapting to life in Saudi Arabia.
According to The Athletic, Henderson has managed to negotiate an early termination of his three-year contract with Al-Ettifaq, which he signed last summer.
While initially resistant to his departure, the Saudi Pro League side has now softened its stance, granting Henderson permission for a permanent transfer.
The midfielder is on his way back to England and has agreed, in principle, to join Ajax. Upon completion of the required paperwork and medical examination, Henderson will be officially unveiled as a new Ajax player.
Henderson made 17 appearances in the Saudi Pro League, providing four assists under former Liverpool teammate Steven Gerrard. However, he struggled to make a significant impact as Al-Ettifaq slipped to eighth place with just 25 points from 19 matches.
Upon his arrival at Ajax, Henderson is expected to contribute immediately, given the team’s struggles in the current campaign. Ajax underwent a managerial change in October when Maurice Steijn was dismissed after only 11 games in charge, with the team sitting second from the bottom in the Eredivisie.
Under interim head coach John van ‘t Schip, Ajax has experienced a significant turnaround, remaining unbeaten in the league with seven wins and two draws in nine matches, propelling them to fifth place in the standings.