Ajax 'intensify pursuit of Al Ettifaq's Jordan Henderson on permanent deal'

Ajax have stepped up their interest in signing Al Ettifaq midfielder Jordan Henderson on a permanent basis, according to a report.

The 33-year-old ended his 12-year association with Liverpool last summer to move to the Saudi Pro League and link up with former Reds teammate Steven Gerrard at Al Ettifaq.

However, Henderson's controversial £12m transfer to the Middle East drew criticism having previously offered his support for the LGBTQ+ Community.

It was initially reported that Henderson had been offered £700,000 a week over a three-year contract, but the midfielder has denied such claims and has insisted that his move to Saudi Arabia was not financially driven, although he is still believed to be earning in excess of £350,000 a week at Al Ettifaq.

The England international has made a total of 19 appearances for Al Ettifaq this season, registering five assists for Gerrard's side who sit eighth in the Saudi Pro League standings, but his long-term future at the club has been questioned in recent weeks.

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Henderson is believed to be unsettled in Saudi Arabia and is keen to secure a move away from Al Ettifaq, preferably to a club in Europe.

Clubs in the Premier League including Chelsea and Newcastle United have been linked with the midfielder, as well as Serie A leaders Juventus and Dutch giants Ajax.

According to Sky Sports News, Ajax are considering making a cash offer for Henderson after learning that Al Ettifaq are not prepared to let the Englishman leave on loan in the January transfer window.

The report adds that Henderson is unsure as to whether Al Ettifaq will agree to let him leave this month, while the Saudi side are yet to give a clear indication of the midfielder's valuation, but Ajax are hopeful they can strike a deal.

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Ajax manager John van't Schip recently confirmed that his side are interested in signing Henderson and that talks have taken place.

"There is serious talk going on with Henderson," Van 't Schip told reporters last weekend via ESPN. "He still has some things to arrange in Saudi Arabia.

"It could be a nice match. It's no secret that we could really use that type of player. Other guys can benefit from that."

Ajax endured a disastrous start to the 2023-24 campaign and they currently sit fifth in the Eredivisie table, 23 points behind runaway leaders PSV Eindhoven.

Nevertheless, it is understood that Ajax believe Henderson can provide the club with a huge lift for the second half of the season as they push for European qualification in the Dutch top flight and attempt to progress into the latter stages of the Europa Conference League.