Jordan Henderson agrees transfer as ex-Liverpool captain exits Saudi nightmare
Jordan Henderson will be allowed to leave Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq this month.
As revealed by Mirror Football, Henderson is now set to join Ajax on a permanent deal. The transfer comes just six months after the former Liverpool captain, 33, signed a three-year contract at Al-Ettifaq to play under former Reds team-mate Steven Gerrard.
Henderson will now make a swift return to European football with his reputation in tatters. The England international was heavily criticised for agreeing to play in Saudi Arabia after being a vocal supporter of the LGBT+ community. Same-sex relationships are illegal in Saudi Arabia and many fans felt betrayed by his controversial decision.
Henderson is believed to earn £700,000-a-week but insists he never went to the Middle East for the money. He wanted to "achieve something special and build a club and build the league". But he is likely to earn just a fraction of his Saudi wage at Ajax.
The former Sunderland star was appointed Al-Ettifaq's captain and given the No.10 shirt on his arrival. Yet he's failed to score in 17 appearances for Gerrard's side, who haven't won since October. Al-Ettifaq are just eight points above the relegation zone.
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Henderson's return to European football is also humiliating for the Saudi Pro League, who may struggle to attract more superstars if players are leaving. The likes of Karim Benzema and Roberto Firmino are also thought to be considering their futures.
Jordan Henderson is set to join Ajax (Getty Images)
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As reported by The Athletic, Henderson is flying back to the UK from Al-Ettifaq's training camp in Abu Dhabi, as the Saudi Pro League is currently in the middle of a winter break. The player has agreed to join Ajax, who are enduring a tough season, in principle.
The Dutch giants were BOTTOM of the Eredivisie in October but have climbed up to fifth since. They are 23 points behind leaders PSV, who have won all 17 of their league games this term, and must finish in the top four to guarantee European football next season. Ajax are still in the Europa Conference League and face Bodo/Glimt in the play-off round.
Rumours of Henderson's desire to quit Saudi Arabia emerged earlier this month. Juventus and Premier League clubs were interested in signing him, but Ajax have won the battle.
Henderson's imminent return to Europe will boost his hopes of being part of England's squad for Euro 2024. Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate has stuck by the player throughout the last six months and is likely to select him for the tournament in Germany.
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