Jordan Henderson will be more than a top signing for Ajax.
It has been a shocking, surprising move wanted by Kelvin de Lang who was working on a deal behind the scenes since the start of December. The club were left waiting and hoping for Al Ettifaq’s green light in what have been difficult negotiations for all parties involved.
Yes, it was a very complicated deal because Jordan wanted to leave but he still wanted to respect the club.
Breaking the relationship with Al Ettifaq was probably going to make things even more difficult, so he decided to have an honest conversation with Steven Gerrard in order to tell him all the truth: thanks for everything, but for me it’s already time to go back to Europe.
Jordan Henderson has been very direct and honest, this was really appreciated by Al Ettifaq board and Gerrard himself.
Ajax were just waiting to enter in talks with Jordan at the right moment, making sure it was the best timing for all parties involved. It was not easy at all, also because other clubs started to ask for conditions of the deal.
One Italian and one English club (not from the top 6) tried to hijack the move but it was already too advanced with Ajax, as Jordan considered that opportunity as the best one for his career.
Juventus were just inquiring about potential loan on short term deal, but Ajax made the difference also on that crucial detail.
No loan, no short term contract; guaranteed deal until June 2026, two year and half to show Jordan that they want to trust him for many years.
When Al Ettifaq decided to give the final green light to Jordan in order to leave as free agent, Mission Impossible for Ajax became more than possible. Juventus left the conversation, English clubs were not an option as he wanted to try something different.
It’s important to clarify that Liverpool have never approached Jordan Henderson in this transfer window; it was never an option, there is massive respect but both parties decided to move on last summer and Liverpool have different plans as well as Henderson.
Ajax proposal until 2026 has been accepted also in terms of salary and details of the deal, the approval arrived on Wednesday night… so Ajax were able to schedule the medical tests and contract signing.
Why Ajax? Jordan felt they wanted to build their new project around new leader. Henderson was the perfect player at the right moment.
The face of Ajax new era not for six months, but until June 2026. This feeling made the difference and Henderson's Dutch dream is now a reality.
