Ajax have confirmed the signing of Jordan Henderson just six months after the midfielder signed for Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq.
The England international’s contract was terminated by Henderson and Al-Ettifaq after he struggled to adjust to life in Saudi Arabia after joining from Liverpool in July. After that, he and the Dutch powerhouse Ajax agreed to a two-and-a-half-year contract.
“Ajax and Jordan Henderson have reached an agreement regarding Henderson’s transfer to Amsterdam,” stated an Ajax statement. The midfielder spent the previous six months at Al-Ettifaq. The 81-cap English international player recently decided to end his relationship with the Saudi Arabian club.”
Jordan, welcome to Ajax ❌❌❌ pic.twitter.com/nAZhQACt5E
— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) January 18, 2024
On Thursday, Al-Ettifaq made the announcement that his contract was ending while Ajax verified his signature. “I’d like to thank the club, the fans, and everyone involved for the opportunity and wish them the best for the remainder of the season,” Henderson said in reference to his stay in Saudi Arabia. I’m putting in a lot of effort, which I know will be rewarded later.”
Henderson departed from Liverpool to play at Al-Ettifaq with former Reds hero Steven Gerrard. The trip to the Middle East did not, however, turn out as expected, as Al-Ettifaq finished eighth in the rankings after winning just six of their 19 Saudi Pro League games. Henderson is believed to have spent a fortune making the choice to leave the club because, despite his agreement to postpone payments on his £350,000 weekly contract, he is alleged to have not received any compensation from the organization.
Now that he has traded Saudi Arabia for the Netherlands, Henderson, who will wear the No. 6 for Ajax, will be looking to return to peak form. The 33-year-old might play on Sunday when the Amsterdam team takes on RKC Waalwijk in the Eredivisie.