Jordan Henderson Nears Ajax Move as Al-Ettifaq Agrees to Contract Termination

Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has reportedly reached an agreement in principle with Ajax after convincing Al-Ettifaq to terminate his contract. Despite only completing a £12 million ($15m) transfer to Al-Ettifaq during the summer of 2023, Henderson is said to be desperate to leave the Middle East. Reports suggest that the midfielder’s decision might be influenced by his wife, as the family has found it challenging to adapt to life in Saudi Arabia.

According to The Athletic, Henderson engaged in discussions that convinced Al-Ettifaq to officially terminate the three-year contract he signed last summer. Initially, the Saudi Pro League side was adamant about retaining him and had no intention of accepting his demands. However, they have reportedly softened their stance, granting Henderson the green light for a permanent transfer.

The playmaker is already on his way back to England after agreeing in principle to join the Eredivisie side. Following the completion of the necessary paperwork and a medical examination, Henderson is expected to be 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 has struggled to make a significant impact as Al-Ettifaq currently finds themselves languishing in eighth place with just 25 points from 19 matches.

Upon his move to Ajax, Henderson will be expected to make an immediate impact, considering the challenges Ajax has faced in the current campaign. The team underwent a managerial change in October, with Maurice Steijn being dismissed after only 11 games in charge. Ajax was sitting second from the bottom in the Eredivisie, having secured only five points from their initial seven fixtures.

Following Steijn’s departure, the team has undergone a significant transformation under interim head coach John van ‘t Schip, remaining unbeaten in the league with seven wins and two draws in nine matches. This impressive streak has propelled them to fifth in the Eredivisie standings, and Henderson will likely play a crucial role in Ajax’s pursuit of success in the remainder of the season.