Jordan Henderson
Image Credits: Getty Images
Jordan Henderson made a poignant return to Ajax’s training camp in Zeist, the Netherlands, on Wednesday to bid an emotional farewell to his teammates.
The 35-year-old midfielder, who joined the Dutch giants midway through the 2023/24 season, spent the morning embracing colleagues before departing the session early, ending of his 18-month stint at the Johan Cruyff Arena.
Heading into the summer window, Henderson’s future had been shrouded in doubt.
During the January transfer window, there was a mini-saga around a proposed move to Monaco, with Dutch media grilling the former Liverpool man on why he wanted to make the switch – causing Henderson to deny the claims in heated press conference.
Reports in France and the Netherlands suggested he had requested a switch to Monaco to relieve Ajax’s wage burden, a narrative he vehemently denied.
However, Mike Verweij of De Telegraaf has reported that Henderson is now set to leave the historic Dutch giants.
The reliable reporter has revealed that the 35-year-old’s wages were deemed too high, and that a mutual release was best for all parties concerned:
“The English midfielder has come to the training camp in Zeist to say goodbye to his teammates, according to sources around the former Liverpool player,” Verweij stated.
“Henderson is praised in Amsterdam for his top sports mentality.”
However, his salary weighed too heavily on the budget, so a farewell was considered best by all parties.”
Estimates suggest that the England international was on around €80,000 weekly at Ajax.
It is not known where Henderson will end up as he navigates free agency this summer.
The Times’ Paul Joyce has also confirmed De Telegraaf’s scoop.
The Liverpool icon has been tipped for return to his boyhood club Sunderland, although he will likely have to accept a wage cut to return to the Stadium of Light.
He was spotted celebrating the Black Cats’ Championship play-off final win over Sheffield United at Wembley.
Henderson made 71 appearances for Sunderland between 2008-2011 before being snapped up by Kenny Dalglish’s Liverpool.
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