Jordan Henderson's Impending Move to Ajax: A New Chapter Unfolds
In a surprising turn of events, Jordan Henderson is set to join Ajax after successfully terminating his contract with Al Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia. The Dutch giants are wasting no time in securing the midfielder's services, with a delegation en route to Manchester to finalize the deal with Henderson's representatives.
Ajax is offering Henderson an 18-month contract with the option of extending it for an additional year, though recent reports suggest negotiations may result in a more extended commitment. The club is eager to complete the deal swiftly and, if successful, aims to conduct a medical examination promptly, allowing Henderson to be registered in time for Ajax's Eredivisie clash against RKC Waalwijk this weekend.
Currently trailing 23 points behind league leaders PSV, Ajax sees Henderson as a vital addition to bolster their squad for a strong push towards European qualification in the remaining part of the campaign.
The departure from Al Ettifaq was a swift and amicable process, with Sky Sports News reporting on Wednesday that both parties agreed to terminate Henderson's contract. The midfielder, who played 19 times for Al Ettifaq under the coaching of former Liverpool teammate Steven Gerrard, has decided to move on, citing a desire for a change.
According to Sky Sports News' chief reporter Kaveh Solhekol, the Saudi Pro League, Saudi Arabia Football Federation, and Al Ettifaq have accepted Henderson's decision with grace. The termination of his contract was expedited to facilitate a quick move, ensuring that all parties involved could move forward without any hard feelings.
Dutch football expert Marcel van der Kraan expressed the excitement in Amsterdam regarding Henderson's imminent arrival. The Ajax faithful cannot believe that a player of Henderson's stature is on the verge of joining their ranks. The deal, initially set for 18 months, may now extend to a permanent two-and-a-half year agreement, pending the final negotiations.
Henderson is expected to arrive in Amsterdam on Thursday morning for a medical examination. While there is no transfer fee involved, Ajax will need to pay a significant amount as wages, making it the highest they have ever paid to a player. Additionally, Henderson will be responsible for buying out his own contract with Al Ettifaq, involving a substantial payment from the player.
As the January transfer window unfolds, football fans around the world eagerly await the official confirmation of Jordan Henderson's move to Ajax, marking a new and exciting chapter in the career of the Liverpool legend. Stay tuned for more updates on this rapidly developing transfer saga.