In a surprising move, England midfielder Jordan Henderson has completed a transfer to Dutch giants Ajax just six months after signing for Saudi Arabia’s Al Ettifaq. This unexpected switch comes as a shock to many football fans, as the 33-year-old had initially left Liverpool, ending his 12-year stay at the club, to join Al Ettifaq. Now, Henderson finds himself embarking on yet another chapter in his career with the Eredivisie club.
Al Ettifaq recently announced that they had reached a mutual agreement to terminate Henderson’s contract with immediate effect. This decision signifies the willingness of both parties to part ways, allowing Henderson to pursue new opportunities. The midfielder expressed his gratitude to the club, the fans, and everyone involved for the opportunity while wishing them the best for the remainder of the season.
Moving to Ajax comes with its own set of challenges for Henderson. He will need to adjust not only to a new team but also to a significantly reduced salary. The Saudi salary, rumored to be at least £350,000-a-week ($443,000), will be left behind as he embarks on a new adventure in the Netherlands. Henderson’s determination and dedication will undoubtedly be put to the test as he faces new opponents and seeks to make his mark on the Eredivisie.
During his time at Al Ettifaq, Henderson had the opportunity to reunite with former Liverpool teammate Steven Gerrard, who is now the manager of the Saudi club. However, despite their presence at the same club, the team has faced difficulties in the Saudi Pro League, currently sitting in eighth place. As a result, Gerrard’s position has come under scrutiny due to a string of poor results. Henderson’s departure from Al Ettifaq adds another layer of uncertainty to the situation.
Upon his move to Saudi Arabia, Henderson faced backlash due to the country’s poor human rights record. Laws criminalizing homosexuality and imposing severe penalties, including death, raised questions about the midfielder’s decision. Henderson, known for his support of the LGBTQIA+ community, struggled to justify his move in a September interview. While his selection for the England national team has continued, he has faced booing from sections of the fans at Wembley Stadium.
Ajax, currently sitting fifth in the Eredivisie standings, has high hopes for Henderson’s arrival. Manager John van ‘t Schip emphasized the need for an experienced midfielder with leadership qualities and someone who could make an immediate impact on the team, particularly due to injuries within the squad. Henderson’s reputation as an English international and his impressive trophy collection, which includes the Champions League, make him a valuable addition to the team.
In this surprising move, Jordan Henderson’s transfer to Ajax opens up new opportunities and challenges for the seasoned midfielder. As he adjusts to a different league, team, and salary, Henderson will undoubtedly strive to make his mark on the Eredivisie and contribute to Ajax’s pursuit of success. Only time will tell how this new chapter in his career unfolds, but one thing is for certain: Henderson’s determination and leadership qualities will be put to the test once again as he navigates the challenges that lie ahead.
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