Jordan Henderson to join Ajax before weekend

Jordan Henderson will depart Al-Ettifaq for Dutch club Ajax before the end of this week, as the England international midfielder is hopeful that a transfer elsewhere will give him ample opportunity to prove himself at the highest level before this summer's Euro 2024 tournament. The goal for Henderson is to push his way back into England's starting XI and leaving Saudi Arabia is, in his opinion, the only way to guarantee that.

Discussions between Ajax and the Saudi side began last weekend, after Henderson informed club officials that he wanted a return to Europe. The transfer of Henderson from Liverpool to Al-Ettifaq came with much criticism, as Saudi Arabia's human rights record had been called into question.

It is understood that Henderson has been told he will be playing every match until the summer, and thus will be visible to England coach Gareth Southgate as the manager's first squad selections will be made.

Ajax have been informed that the transfer fee to sign Henderson, who will be likely offered an 18-month deal, will be around 4.5 million euros.