Al-Ettifaq make Henderson stance clear after Ajax launch move for unhappy star
Al-Ettifaq are unlikely to sanction the departure of Jordan Henderson in January amid interest from Ajax and Juventus as the former Liverpool captain eyes a return to Europe.
Mirror Football revealed that Ajax are leading the chase to sign Henderson, who is hoping to secure an exit from Saudi Arabia less than six months after his £12million move to Steven Gerrard's side in July. The England international has found it difficult to adapt to life in the Middle East, having struggled with the heat and humidity of the playing conditions, while Al-Ettifaq's average attendance of 7,800 has left a lot to be desired.
However, the 33-year-old is now set to stay at Al-Ettifaq until at least the end of the season, according to the Daily Mail. Henderson flew out to Abu Dhabi on Sunday with Al-Ettifaq for a two-week winter training camp and club officials are expected to make it clear they don't want to do business with anyone.
Henderson has made 19 appearances for Al-Ettifaq, who have gone nine matches without a win dating back to October. That run of form has put Gerrard under increasing pressure, with the Dammam-based outfit currently eighth in the Saudi Pro League table, 28 points behind leaders Al-Hilal.
It has been a difficult first half of the season for Henderson and he's been in "serious" talks over a move to Ajax as his future continues to remain uncertain. Speaking before his side's game with Go Ahead Eagles on Sunday, Ajax coach John van 't Schip told ESPN: "There is serious talk going on with Henderson.
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"He still has some things to arrange in Saudi Arabia. It could be a nice match. It's no secret that we could really use that type of player. Other guys can benefit from that."
Al-Ettifaq want to keep the England international (Getty Images)Should Jordan Henderson leave Al-Ettifaq this month?
Henderson has two-and-a-half years left on his contract at Al-Ettifaq and the Saudis are also concerned that allowing the midfielder to go would send a bad message about their league as they try and attract more players. Demarai Gray and Georginio Wijnaldum are among the other big-names currently at Al-Ettifaq.
A move back to Europe would boost Henderson's chances of being in Gareth Southgate's England squad for this summer's Euros, however. Southgate has kept faith in Henderson for recent matches, but playing at a higher level would increase his hopes of making the tournament in Germany.
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