Jordan Henderson is set to end his stint with Al Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League after approximately six months, having reportedly agreed to depart the team.
The decision comes amid a challenging period for Al Ettifaq, where despite an initial success in the Saudi Pro League, the team has faced a winless streak since October 28, following five consecutive victories. Henderson’s move to Saudi Arabia coincided with the appointment of Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard as the manager of Al Ettifaq.
Reports suggest that Henderson, despite Al Ettifaq’s early achievements, has been eager to cut short his six-month journey in Saudi Arabia and secure an immediate return to the Premier League.
Concerns have been raised about his adjustment to the climate, with the 33-year-old reportedly struggling with the heat and humidity in the region. Additionally, the average attendance of 7,800 at Al Ettifaq has not met expectations, contributing to Henderson’s desire to explore other opportunities.
The Daily Mail had previously reported that Henderson was willing to accept a significant wage decrease to facilitate his departure from Al Ettifaq. Now, according to The Athletic, Henderson has reached an agreement to leave Al Ettifaq and join Dutch powerhouse Ajax. The reported agreement suggests that Ajax won’t need to pay a transfer fee to secure Henderson for the Johan Cruyff Arena.
The decision to join Ajax aligns with Henderson’s desire to return to a more familiar footballing environment, and the move is seen as a strategic choice for the 33-year-old. Ajax, currently in fifth place in the Eredivisie, has staged a comeback in the league after a challenging start to the season. Henderson’s leadership and experience are expected to contribute positively to Ajax’s efforts to climb the league table.
Ajax faces an 11-point gap behind Feyenoord in second place, which holds the last automatic Champions League qualification spot. While they are significantly behind leaders PSV, Henderson aims to play a pivotal role in Ajax’s quest for success on the pitch.
Having parted ways with Liverpool last summer after a notable 12-year association, Henderson sees the move to the Netherlands as an opportunity for a fresh start.
The decision to choose Ajax over a potential return to the Premier League indicates Henderson’s willingness to explore diverse footballing landscapes and contribute to Ajax’s ambitions in the Eredivisie.
