Jordan Henderson close to agreement with club and it’s not Juventus

Jordan Henderson’s transfer to Ajax is reportedly one step closer, according to Dutch publication ‘Voetbal International’.

Henderson, who joined Al-Ettifaq last summer, wants to make a return to Europe, as reported by the ‘Daily Mail’. There seem to be several influential factors behind this decision. The player has reportedly struggled to adapt to life in Saudi Arabia, with the weather and low fan interest during his team’s matches among his concerns. Additionally, criticism directed at him after initially promoting a campaign supporting LGBTQ+ rights before moving to a country where such rights are not respected, has seemingly played a part.

Prior reports by Gianluca Di Marzio and Alfredo Pedullà suggested a potential move for the Englishman to Juventus, with the latter reporting on advanced talks. However, ‘Voetbal International’ paints a slightly different picture, indicating that a move to Juventus is not as concrete as a potential deal with Ajax for the 33-year-old.

Henderson is reported to be close to reaching a deal with the Dutch side regarding individual terms. Following this, Ajax will engage in detailed negotiations with Al-Ettifaq.

Significantly, Ajax is purportedly willing to secure Henderson on the basis of a definitive transfer, which the player himself favours, rather than a loan deal, which is Juventus’s preference.

Crucial will be the negotiations between the English midfielder and the Saudi club’s management, which have been anticipated by Ben Jacobs.