Ajax Signs England Midfielder Jordan Henderson from Saudi Club Al-Ettifaq

Jordan Henderson, an English midfielder, has transferred to Dutch club Ajax on a two-and-a-half-year contract following a brief stint with Saudi team Al-Ettifaq, which lasted under six months.

The 33-year-old footballer had previously signed a lucrative deal with Al-Ettifaq after departing from Liverpool, but the club has since consented to an early termination of his contract.

Henderson expressed gratitude to Al-Ettifaq and its supporters on social media, citing his departure as a difficult but necessary decision for his family and himself.

Although he will not feature in Ajax's upcoming match against RKC Waalwijk as he awaits international clearance, he is eager to join the team and begin a new phase in his career.

The announcement of Henderson's move coincided with the news of former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard extending his contract as manager of Al-Ettifaq until 2027.

Henderson, who advocates for LGBTQ+ rights, faced criticism for his initial move to Saudi Arabia due to the country's stance on same-sex relationships. His exit from Al-Ettifaq after making only 17 league appearances was described as amicable and financially beneficial for the Saudi club.

Ajax, currently struggling in their domestic league far behind leaders PSV Eindhoven, eagerly anticipates the addition of Henderson, seen as an asset with his experience and leadership qualities.

The English international, who boasts a distinguished record with former club Liverpool, including Champions League victory, is expected to provide a substantial boost to the team and its younger players.

Despite his transfer, Henderson may need to work on restoring trust with the LGBTQ+ community. His recent career choices have stirred discontent among some fans, leaving questions about his support for the community and commitment to the cause.