Jordan Henderson has completed his move back into European football after his Al-Ettifaq contract was terminated and he signed for Ajax.
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”.
The 33-year-old England midfielder had spent less than six months in Saudi Arabia, after joining 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.”
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.”
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.”
