SOCCER
Jordan Henderson arrives in Amsterdam for Ajax move
The former Liverpool captain moved to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq last summer but already wants a return to Europe.
England midfielder Jordan Henderson has arrived in Amsterdam as he looks to complete a transfer to Dutch giants Ajax.
The 33-year-old midfielder made the lucrative move to the Saudi Pro League last summer but is already eager to return to Europe. Henderson signed for Al-Ettifaq, coached by his former Liverpool teammate Steven Gerrard, and pledged to help change to culture in the Gulf State.
Al-Ettifaq have struggled for form on the field, winning just one of their last seven games. He played just 19 times for the Saudi club and becomes of the big-name Saudi signings to depart.
Henderson is set to agree terms on a two-and-a-half-year deal with the Amsterdam club. He will be forced to take a major pay cut to return to Europe but should put himself in a stronger position to maintain his place in the England national team ahead of this summer’s European Championships in Germany.
Henderson joins struggling Ajax team
Ajax are the most successful team in the history of Dutch soccer but are going through a different spell since the departure of former head coach Erik ten Hag in 2021. They finished in third position in 2022/23, 13 points adrift of eventual winners Feyenoord.
They have continued to struggle this season and currently sit fifth in Eredivisie. Ajax already find themselves 13 points away from league leaders PSV Eindhoven and sacked former head coach Maurice Steijn in October.
Henderson will bring vital experience to a team that has improved under John van’t Schip.
BBC reports that Henderson could made his debut for Ajax in their Eredivise match against RKC Waalwijk on Sunday, provided the deal can be completed promptly.