Ajax have confirmed the arrival of English midfielder Jordan Henderson on a two-and-a-half-year contract.
The 33-year-old joins the Eredivisie giants after terminating his contract with Al Ettifaq, whom he spent just six months with following his exit from Liverpool in the summer transfer window.
Henderson's Saudi Pro League switch saw him reunite with Steven Gerrard, whom he succeeded as Liverpool captain, as well as linking up with former Reds teammate Georginio Wijnaldum.
The England international set up five goals in 19 games for Al Ettifaq, but his decision to join the lucrative Saudi Pro League was heavily condemned after his previous advocacy for the LGBTQ+ Community while in the Premier League.
Henderson refuted the suggestion that he was motivated to move to Saudi Arabia for financial reasons and also denied claims that he was earning £700,000 a week at Al Ettifaq, but only a few months after joining Gerrard's side, it was reported that he was desperate to depart.
Al Ettifaq's poor form, low attendances and unforgiving temperatures were all believed to be factors in Henderson's desire to leave the Middle East and return to Europe, although no pathways back to the Premier League presented themselves to the midfielder.
Jordan, welcome to Ajax ❌❌❌ pic.twitter.com/nAZhQACt5E
— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) January 18, 2024
Italian giants Juventus were believed to be in talks over a loan deal for Henderson, but the two parties failed to reach an agreement, allowing Ajax to swoop in and bring the former Sunderland protege to Amsterdam until the summer of 2026.
Speaking to the official Ajax website, manager John van 't Schip hailed Henderson's arrival as an astute winter coup and suggested that the 33-year-old will be immediately drafted into the starting lineup.
"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," Van 't Schip said.
"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, and I think it's very good for our club that he's an Ajacied from today onwards."
Henderson, who will wear Ajax's number six shirt, arrives in Amsterdam having won eight major honours during his time at Liverpool, with whom he also faced the Sons of the Gods three times in the Champions League.
After an atrocious start to the season, Ajax have enjoyed a revival under Van 't Schip to rise to fifth in the Eredivisie table, and Henderson will be in line to make his debut for the club against RKC Waalwijk on Sunday.
Ben Knapton
