Jordan Henderson departs Saudi club after undergoing a medical examination with Ajax
Jordan Henderson has taken a significant step toward concluding his criticized tenure with Saudi club Al-Ettifaq. According to a source familiar with the negotiations, the 33-year-old English midfielder has undergone a medical examination with the Dutch side Ajax. Henderson spent only six months with the Saudi club after leaving Liverpool, where he captained the team to their first league title in 30 years in 2020 and secured Champions League glory in 2019.
"Henderson arrived late on the initial day of the Abu Dhabi camp. After participating in training for two days, he was absent from yesterday's session as he traveled to Dubai for medical assessments with Ajax," stated the source, speaking anonymously to AFP.
“The player cited the England national team coach's request to join a European club as the reason for his desire to leave the club, allowing him to participate in the European Cup (Euro 2024),” the source remarked.
Among the high-profile players making moves to the financially lucrative Saudi Premier League, Henderson arguably faced the most criticism, given his past support for LGBTQ+ rights during his time with Liverpool. Last year, Henderson was booed by England supporters following his move to Saudi Arabia.
Despite substantial investment in foreign players, Al-Ettifaq has not made a significant impact in the league, and the club's head coach, Steven Gerrard—Henderson's former teammate at Liverpool—is reportedly close to departing as well.
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