Henderson's new wages as ex-Liverpool star takes huge pay cut to join Ajax

17 January 2024 , 21:28

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Jordan Henderson is set to become Ajax's highest earner (Image: Getty Images)

Jordan Henderson is set to become Ajax ’s highest paid player as he finalises his move to the Dutch giants.

The England midfielder faces a race against time to be cleared to make his debut this weekend as he has yet to undergo a medical and there will also be a visa to sort. But Ajax officials flew into Manchester on Wednesday to hold final discussions on an 18-month deal with the option of a further year.

Henderson, 33, will have to take a huge pay cut from his £350,000-a-week wages after terminating his three-year deal with Saudi side Al-Ettifaq. But he is set to earn a basic of around £85,000-a-week at Ajax which will climb to £110,000-a-week after initial bonuses.

That will take him above Steven Bergwijn, who earns around £90,000-a-week after bonuses. The Dutch club want Henderson to feature in their clash with RKC Waalwijk under the roof at the Amsterdam Arena this weekend.

Henderson is expected to fly to Amsterdam to undergo a medical in the next 48 hours to ensure he’s ready to play this weekend. But he will face a sweat on whether he will get a visa approved in time.

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The ex-Liverpool captain terminated his contract with Al-Ettifaq this week after making it clear he wants to return to Europe. It brought an end to a shambolic six-month stay in the Middle East and he leaves Steven Gerrard ’s side eighth in the Saudi Pro League and without a win since October.

The England international left Liverpool in the summer after 12 years at the club when they accepted a £12m bid. Henderson has deferred some of his £350,000-a-week wages from the Saudi club but still faces tax implications.

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Henderson will rip up his contract with Al-Ettifaq (Getty Images)

But he believes it is a price worth paying to ensure he returns to football in Europe. Ajax are currently struggling in the Eredivisie as they sit fifth, a massive 23 points off leaders PSV who hold a 100 per cent winning record after 17 games.

But the Dutch club believe the acquisition of Henderson could help them push for a Champions League spot as they are nine points behind third-placed Twente. Henderson has been warned that a move to Ajax is as close to his former level as he can get.

“I think it’s probably as close to home as he can get. I don’t know if there are an abundance of offers on the table. I think if this is a lesson for others looking in from afar, really think hard about," former Liverpool star Danny Murphy told talkSPORT.

"Depending on your financial situation, sometimes it’s a no-brainer. But he was wealthy anyway, and I think football contentment is a starting place for the rest of your life being happy.

“There might be something other people translate to their own life. But Jordan here, he’s messed it up really. I don’t think from Liverpool fans’ perspective, but for a broad spectrum of football people, his character and his reputation has been damaged by this whole episode.”

Chris McKenna