Jordan Henderson's secret Jurgen Klopp talks as he tears up Saudi contract

17 January 2024 , 09:29

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Jordan Henderson is poised to join Dutch giants Ajax (Image: Getty Images)

Jordan Henderson is on the brink of a return to Europe - just six months after quitting the Premier League for the riches of Saudi Arabia.

The former Liverpool captain, 33, was lured away from Anfield in the summer by Al-Ettifaq, who are understood to have offered Henderson a highly lucrative three-year contract worth around £700,000-a-week. However, Henderson's time in the Middle East has failed to live up to expectations and is seemingly now coming to a premature end.

It emerged last month that he was already seeking a return to Europe after struggling to settle in the Saudi Pro League, and Mirror Football revealed on Sunday that Ajax were closing in on the England international.

While the Dutch giants have offered Henderson an escape route from his Saudi nightmare, The Mail claimed in December that Henderson was eager to return to England in the New Year - a wish that has not materialised.

Chelsea were credited with an interest in Henderson's services, while his former club, Liverpool, were also tentatively touted as a potential destination for the veteran midfielder.

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A return to Anfield was never on the cards, but Jurgen Klopp did talk with Henderson before he quit Al-Ettifaq. Speaking back in December, Klopp was asked about reports claiming Henderson wanted to leave Saudi Arabia and replied: "Did Hendo have a press conference and say [he wants to leave]? So it is just written? That means for me it is not existing. He hasn't called me. We spoke actually but not about that but I really have nothing to say about that."

The Athletic outlined on Wednesday morning that Henderson was flying back to the UK from a training camp in Abu Dhabi ahead of his proposed switch to Ajax after reaching an agreement with Al-Ettifaq to tear up his lucrative contract.

Join the debate! What do you make of Henderson's decision to quit Saudi Arabia after six months? Let us know here.

Jurgen Klopp admitted he had spoken to Jordan Henderson shortly after reports emerged claiming he wanted to quit Saudi Arabia

The Eredivisie giants have endured a difficult campaign thus far but have climbed to fifth in the Dutch league after sitting bottom of the standings as recently as October. Ajax have fended off interest from Juventus to lead the race for Henderson's signature.

A return to Europe should significantly enhance Henderson's chances of making it into Gareth Southgate's England squad for the European Championships, which take place in Germany next summer.

Dan Marsh