LONDON – England midfielder Jordan Henderson is seeking a fresh start after signing for Ajax Amsterdam, as he terminated his contract with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq after just six months, the two clubs said on Jan 18.
The 33-year-old joined Al-Ettifaq on a three-year deal following 12 years at English Premier League side Liverpool, where he played nearly 500 games and was also captain of the Reds.
“I’m sad to say that I will be leaving Al-Ettifaq with immediate effect. It wasn’t an easy decision, but one that I feel is best for me and my family,” Henderson said on X.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank the club and the fans for all the support during my time. I really felt the love from day one. I’ll keep watching & hoping for your success. Good luck for the future.”
With former Liverpool and England captain Steven Gerrard as coach, Henderson made 17 league appearances for the Dammam-based club, who sit eighth in the standings.
Reports have said he failed to adjust to the Middle Eastern climate, while he also admitted there were family reasons.
“Ajax has reached an agreement with Jordan Henderson on his transfer to Amsterdam,” the Dutch giants said in a statement.
Ajax coach John van ’t Schip added: “We wanted an experienced midfielder with leadership qualities... Jordan Henderson is that type of player.
“His arrival means a huge enhancement for our squad. Both on and off the pitch, a football player of this calibre is important for our many young players.”
Al-Ettifaq said they had “mutually agreed” to terminate the contract “with immediate effect”.
“The decision follows an amicable conclusion to the relationship with the player,” said the Saudi team of the move, which came the same day that Gerrard, 43, extended his contract with the club by two years to 2027.
Henderson’s lucrative switch – with reported wages varying from £350,000 (S$595,100) to £700,000 per week – to Saudi Arabia, where homosexuality is illegal, was criticised as he has long been a supporter of the LGBTQ+ community.
“I can understand the anger. I get it. All I can say around that is that I’m sorry that they feel like that. My intention was never, ever to hurt anyone,” he told The Athletic in September in response to the criticism.
Henderson was booed by fans when he appeared for England in a friendly against Australia at Wembley a month later.
His move to Ajax comes with the Dutch club fifth in the Eredivisie, 23 points behind leaders PSV Eindhoven – a disappointing start for the 36-time champions who have not finished outside the top three since 2006.
They have also dropped to the Europa Conference League after finishing third in their Europa League group.
Maurice Steijn was sacked as coach in October, paying the price for the team’s shocking run of form, with van ’t Schip brought in as interim boss.
Ajax face RKC Waalwijk in their next league game on Jan 21.
REUTERS, AFP
