Leaving Saudi Arabia, Henderson Joins Ajax To Secure Position At Euro 2024

New Ajax Amsterdam player Jordan Henderson. (X/@AFCAjax)

JAKARTA - Midfielder Jordan Henderson finally left Saudi Arabia. He also joined Ajax Amsterdam, an elite Eredivisie club. Henderson hopes to secure a position in the England national team competing at Euro 2024.

Henderson only lasted six months despite being awarded a three-year contract from Saudi Professional League club Al-Ettifaq. He only played 16 times in the league by making four assists.

It was not clearly stated why the former Liverpool captain left Saudi Arabia.

He only mentioned it as a mistake when he left Anfield and then played in a country in the heat of the sun. Meanwhile, Henderson is from England, a country with cold temperatures.

Henderson is reportedly not strong with the hot weather and humidity in Saudi Arabia. In addition, he was less impressed by the number of spectators who were only thousands at the stadium to watch the match.

Compare it with the audience at Anfield or when he and Liverpool visited Manchester United's headquarters at Old Trafford.

More than that, Henderson doesn't want to lose the opportunity to play at Euro 2024. If he stays in Saudi Arabia, he is definitely not on the radar of Manager Gareth Southgate who prioritizes players from the English Premier League and those scattered in Europe's top leagues.

The Pro Saudi League? Obviously not included in Southgate's monitoring even though Henderson still received a call from the England national team to participate in the Euro 2024 test and qualifying matches.

When playing in Europe, he is at least still under Southgate's monitoring. Moreover, Henderson defended the Dutch top club, Ajax. He was willing to terminate his contract at Al-Ettifaq. His salary at Ajax was not worth what he received at Al-Ettifaq.

However, Henderson finally denied that he received 700 thousand per week's salary. Not only that, termination of employment when the contract was not over at the request of the player made him not get a salary at Al-Ettifaq.

At Ajax, he only receives a salary of 175 thousand every week. Henderson also signed a two-and-a-half year contract.

"Amsterdam! I'm glad to be here. Can't wait to see it soon," Henderson said on social media.

However, the 33-year-old player still felt sad when he left Al-Ettifaq. According to him, this was not an easy decision when he stated that he wanted to return to Europe.

"I was sad when I was about to say that I left Al-Ettifaq so quickly. This was not an easy decision. However, I feel this is the best for me and my family," he said.

"On this occasion I would like to thank the club and fans for their support. I really fell in love with the club from day one. I will still watch the game and wish the club a success," Henderson said again.

Meanwhile, Ajax coach John van't Schip said he was happy to have experienced players. Moreover, the club gets Henderson for free.

"We need experienced midfielders who have quality in leadership. In addition, many of our players are injured so we need players who can replace them. Jordan Henderson is that kind of player," said Van't Schip.

The coach believes that Henderson's presence, who gets the number 6 jersey, will boost Ajax's performance. According to him, experienced players are needed for young players.

"His arrival means a lot to lift the squad, both on and off the pitch. He can lift young players. He's an England who won the Champions League and has many trophies. I'm glad he's here," he said.

Henderson is needed to gap Ajax, who is currently ranked fifth. Ajax is 23 points behind leaders PSV Eindhoven.