Jordan Henderson: England midfielder completes move to Ajax - six months after joining Saudi Arabian side Al Ettifaq

Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson is back in European football after signing for Ajax.

The move comes just six months after the 33-year old made a controversial transfer to Al Ettifaq, managed by former Reds team-mate Steven Gerrard, as he followed in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema in heading to the Saudi Pro League.

However, the midfielder lasted just 19 games at his new club, as he reportedly struggled to settle in the kingdom.

With Euro 2024 fast approaching, Henderson had remained part of Gareth Southgate's squad, even if he was booed by some fans when England faced Australia at Wembley at the back end of 2023.

He remains desperate to be on the plane to Germany and as such, he had been considering his options with regards to an Ettifaq departure.

Al Ettifq confirmed the club had terminated the player's contract in a statement on X as they thanked him for his efforts.

Henderson could make his Ajax debut on Sunday, when they host RKC Waalwijk in the Eredivisie.

Ajax coach John van 't Schip was delighted to secure the services of the England international as his side look to push on in the second half of the season.

"We wanted an experienced midfielder with leadership qualities," Van 't Schip told the club's official website. "Partly due to injuries, we were also looking for someone who can be available immediately. Jordan Henderson is such a player.

"His arrival means a major boost in quality for our squad. Both on and off the field, a player of this calibre is important for our group of young players.

"He is an England international and has won the Champions League and many other trophies with Liverpool.

"I am delighted with his arrival and I think it is very good for our club that he is an Ajax player from today."

Henderson was heavily criticised for moving to Al Ettifaq last summer, as he had previously advocated for LGBTQ+ rights.

Attentions will be on helping Ajax move up the Eredivisie, with the club currently sitting in fifth place in the table, although that is a better position than they found themselves in at the end of October, after losing five of their opening eight matches.

Henderson will wear the No. 6 shirt for his new club.

- - -

TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.