Ex-Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has officially joined Ajax as his failed stint in Saudi Arabia has finally come to an end.
The 33-year-old announced his departure from Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq on Thursday (January 18) night as he penned a statement on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Jordan Henderson has secured a move to Dutch giants Ajax as his Saudi nightmare comes to an end
Henderson is Ajax’s new number six
The 33-year-old lasted just six months in Saudi Arabia
The England international is the first high-profile player to ditch the Saudi Pro League
He wrote: “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.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank the club & 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.”
The Eredivisie giants announced the move shortly before Henderson’s statement as the Dutch club wrote: “Ajax has reached an agreement with Jordan Henderson on his transfer to Amsterdam. The midfielder played for Al-Ettifaq in the past six months. The player, who has 81 caps for the English national team, recently agreed to terminate his contract with the club from Saudi Arabia.”
The photoshoot captured his infectious smile, reflecting his eagerness to embrace this new chapter in his career.
The England international’s return to Europe after just six months in the Middle East was due to growing disillusionment regarding his family’s new lifestyle as well as negative experiences on the pitch.
The Liverpool legend – who signed an 18-month deal with the option of a further year – joins a rejuvenated Ajax side who’ve not lost a game since October as interim boss John van ‘t Schip explained just how excited he is to introduce a player of Henderson’s quality to the squad. “We wanted an experienced midfielder with leadership qualities,” the Dutchman said.
Henderson will be eligible for Ajax’s Europa Conference League campaign as they take on Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt in the knockout round playoffs next month.