Jordan Henderson has completed his move back into European football after his Al-Ettifaq contract was terminated and he signed for Ajax.
The transfer came after the England midfielder had spent less than six months in Saudi Arabia, amid reports he was unhappy. The 33-year-old had joined Al-Ettifaq from Liverpool last summer on a three-year contract worth a reported £350,000 a week. However, after cutting short his stay, he has now signed a two-and-a-half year deal with Ajax.
“I’m sad to say that I will be leaving Al-Ettifaq with immediate effect,” Henderson wrote on social media. “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 and the fans for all the support during my time. I really felt the love from day one. I’ll keep watching and hoping for your success. Good luck for the future.”
A statement from Ajax read: “Ajax has reached an agreement with Jordan Henderson on his transfer to Amsterdam. The free agent, former Sunderland and Liverpool player, signed a contract at Ajax lasting two-and-a-half years, until June 30, 2026.”
The signing was confirmed after Henderson finalised terms and underwent a medical earlier on Thursday. He told the Ajax website: “It’s been a difficult year or so for the club, both on and off the field, but that’s the same for me in the past six months. So hopefully we can help each other come together and help each other go forward and try and be as successful as possible in the near future.
“It’s been a bit of a whirlwind, crazy few days, but I’m just so excited now to be here, to start a new chapter, a new journey in my life and my career and I’m just so excited to be here and part of this club.
“Once I knew that there was an opportunity, I was overexcited and really overwhelmed that this opportunity was there for me. It was something that I wanted to try and make happen.”
Steven Gerrard has signed a two-year extension as manager of Al-Ettifaq.
The former Rangers and Aston Villa manager has received the backing of the club despite a rocky season, with the new deal keeping the ex-Liverpool midfielder at the helm until 2027.
Gerrard joined the Saudi Pro League side last July but they are winless in their last eight games and sit eighth in the table with just six wins from 19 matches.
"This is very pleasing for myself and my family and feels like recognition for a lot of hard work and commitment," the former England captain told Ettifaq's official website.
"We knew at the beginning this was a big job and a challenging job. We all know it's not going to be an overnight fix. But it's really exciting in terms of where we believe we can get the club to. We want to build a special club and build an elite culture around the team and squad.
"I also understand my position, it's a results business. I never take that for granted. I understand where we are in the league, but I am very confident we will improve. There will need to be an element of patience as there is still a lot to do on and off the pitch.
"Of course, I am going to have challenges in front of me. But I am willing to take them on, embrace it and do the best job I can do for this club."
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The Ajax manager, John van ’t Schip, added: “We wanted an experienced midfielder with leadership qualities. Partially due to injuries in the team, we were looking for someone who could step in immediately. Jordan Henderson is that type of player.”
The Al-Ettifaq president, Samer Al Misehal, said: “Firstly, the club would like to thank Jordan for his efforts and wish him the best for his future endeavours.
“We are always respectful of our players. The club and Jordan believe this quick decision, without any delay or further distraction, has been made for both the overall good of the club and for Jordan.”
“His arrival means a huge enhancement for our squad. Both on and off the pitch, a football player of this calibre is important for our many young players.
“He’s an English international player and has won the Champions League and many other prizes with Liverpool. I am happy he’s here.”
As a vocal supporter of the LGBTQ+ community during his time at Anfield, Henderson was criticised for making the move to Saudi Arabia where homosexuality is illegal and punishable by death. He was booed by England supporters at Wembley following his transfer and said the crowd’s reaction was “hurtful”.
