Ajax has emerged as a front-runner in the pursuit of England midfielder Jordan Henderson, who is currently with Al Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia. Sources close to ESPN have revealed Ajax’s keen interest in Henderson, highlighting the club’s need to bolster their midfield. However, the Dutch club is not alone in this race, with unnamed teams from the Premier League and Bundesliga also vying for Henderson’s signature.

Jordan Henderson, renowned for his leadership and achievements as the former captain of Liverpool, left Anfield last summer, joining the wave of high-profile players moving to Saudi Arabia’s developing league. Follow your favourite football team with attractive football betting odds from Nextbet. 

His time at Anfield was marked by remarkable success, including winning the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup. The move to Al Ettifaq in July 2023, where he reunited with former teammate Steven Gerrard, marked the end of a memorable 12-year stint at Liverpool.

Despite the lucrative move to Saudi Arabia, Henderson is reportedly eager to make a return to the Premier League. This comes only months after his transfer, suggesting a brief stint in the Middle East. His salary, however, poses a challenge for Ajax, with a source telling ESPN that the club is considering the financial implications of bringing in a player of Henderson’s stature. Nevertheless, Ajax views Henderson’s vast experience and midfield prowess as crucial assets to their team, especially given their current fifth place in the Eredivisie after overcoming a rocky start to the season.

The competition for Henderson’s signature extends beyond Ajax, with interest from two undisclosed Premier League clubs and a Bundesliga team. This adds an intriguing dimension to the transfer saga, as it opens up various possibilities for the England midfielder’s next destination.

Henderson’s time in Saudi Arabia has not been without controversy. His move was scrutinized due to Saudi Arabia’s stance on homosexuality, which is criminalized in the country. Henderson had been an outspoken supporter of LGBTQIA+ rights during his tenure at Liverpool, making his transfer a topic of debate.

On the other side, Al Ettifaq, currently sitting eighth in the Saudi Pro League and trailing leaders Al Hilal by 28 points, is experiencing a challenging phase. They have not secured a win in their last eight league games since October 28. The club’s struggles are compounded by the recent departure of Gerrard’s assistant, Ian Foster, who left to manage Plymouth Argyle.

Gerrard, who recently called for reinforcements during the January transfer window, may face another setback with Henderson’s potential departure. The duo’s reunion in Saudi Arabia had initially generated excitement, but the current situation poses questions about the future trajectory of Al Ettifaq.

As the transfer window unfolds, Henderson’s future remains a topic of keen interest. With Ajax actively pursuing him amid competition from top European leagues, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining where the experienced midfielder will ply his trade next. 

Whether he returns to the Premier League, joins the Eredivisie with Ajax, or moves to the Bundesliga, Jordan Henderson’s decision will undoubtedly have a significant impact on his career and the clubs involved. Get the latest updates from the world of football only on Nextbet Sports.