Transfer Centre

Ajax 'join race to sign Jordan Henderson in January'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 10 January 2024

Ajax reportedly become the latest club to express an interest in signing Al Ettifaq midfielder Jordan Henderson during the January transfer window.

Ajax have reportedly identified Al Ettifaq midfielder Jordan Henderson as a potential January transfer target.

During the summer, Henderson made the controversial decision to end his legendary stint with Liverpool in order to move to the Saudi Pro League.

At the time, the England international - who had previously spoken publicly about his support for the LGBT community - said that he wanted to help 'grow the game' in the Middle East.

In signing a three-year contract with Al Ettifaq, the 33-year-old seemingly committed the next phase of his career to participating in that part of the world, and he has gone on to make 19 appearances in all competitions.

However, at a time when Steven Gerrard is allegedly under pressure to keep his role as manager, reports have emerged that Henderson is unsettled and wants a return to Europe.

England midfielder Jordan Henderson after the match on October 13, 2023 © Reuters

Should a transfer become a possibility, Henderson will not be short of offers in the Premier League, with Chelsea said to be among the teams monitoring the situation.

Meanwhile, Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich - who already have Englishman Harry Kane in their ranks and could add Eric Dier in due course - are also reportedly interested.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Ajax are the latest club to express that they would be interested in negotiating terms with Henderson and his club.

Romano indicates that Al Ettifaq are yet to give the green light to an exit, presumably because Henderson is just a sixth of the way into his contract.

Ajax interim coach John van't Schip on December 14, 2023 © Reuters

Nevertheless, Ajax seemingly hold an interest in adding some much-needed experience to their ranks after a disappointing first half of the campaign.

Such was the level of their dismal start that positives will be taken from salvaging fifth position in the Eredivisie at this stage and having earned a spot in the Europa Conference League in February.

Ajax have money to spend due to the high-profile sales made in previous transfer windows at a time when Al Ettifaq may look to recoup the £12m that they paid Liverpool in July.

As it stands, no quick decision is expected, with Henderson expected to remain patient for proposals, while whether Gerrard stays or leaves Al Ettifaq in the short term may also influence matters.