Jordan Henderson set to cut Saudi Arabia 'adventure' short
Apparently it only took six months for Jordan Henderson to accomplish everything he set out do in Saudi Arabia.
The former Liverpool midfielder is set to cut his stay at Al-Ettifaq after only six months. According to David Ornstein, Henderson is going to terminate his contract and return to Europe where he will join Dutch giants, Ajax.
🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Jordan Henderson has reached agreement with Al Etiffaq to leave Saudi Pro League club. 33yo & #AlEttifaq in process of finalising contract termination. Henderson has agreed in principle to join Ajax; now details/paperwork @TheAthleticFC #Ajax https://t.co/FBXfvAwMFL
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) January 17, 2024
According to ESPN, Henderson could sign an 18-month deal with Ajax.
Henderson was roundly criticized when he first announced his move to Saudi Arabia as it is a country not tolerant of LGBTQ+ as Henderson had been an advocated for the community. He attempted to justify the move as a way to try to change things from the inside.
That obviously hasn't happened and Henderson is set to return to Europe having done some significant damage to his reputation off the pitch.
"But Jordan here, he's messed it up really," said Danny Murphy. "I don't think from Liverpool fans' perspective, but for a broad spectrum of football people, his character and reputation has been damaged by this whole episode."
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It will be interesting to see what Henderson does off the pitch, if anything, to try restore some of his reputation. It will also be interesting to see what the 33-year-old says when he is inevitably asked why he decided to leave Saudi Arabia so soon during his introduction at Ajax.