Al-Ettifaq to fight to keep Jordan Henderson in Saudi Arabia amid interest from Ajax and Juventus as former Liverpool captain eyes move back to Europe
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Jordan Henderson will remain in Saudi Arabia for the rest of the season as Al Ettifaq are unlikely to consider moving him in January.
Henderson, who has been a key target for Ajax and Juventus, flew to Abu Dhabi on Sunday to attend a two-week winter training camp with his club.
Club officials are expected to speak to him about the situation that has developed over the past week – following Mail Sport’s story that he was looking to return to Europe – and make it clear that they do not want to do business with anyone .
Henderson, 33, and his young family found it difficult to settle in the Gulf and the England midfielder was aware of the interest of a number of European clubs in taking him on loan.
Ajax have been working hard to secure a deal for Henderson, with interim coach John van’t Schip confirming their interest following his side’s victory over Go Ahead Eagles on Sunday.
Jordan Henderson will remain in Saudi Arabia with Al-Etiffaq for the rest of the season
Henderson has been heavily linked with a departure for Steven Gerrard, but club officials are expected to speak to him about the situation that has developed in the past week.
“I can confirm that the club and Henderson are in discussions,” said Van ‘t Schip. “He now has to deal with his club.”
It has been a turbulent campaign for Ajax, who were knocked out of the Dutch Cup by amateur club USV Hercules before Christmas.
The Dutch giants have made it clear that they see Henderson as someone who can transform their fortunes and that their interest will not go away, but Juventus also emerged as players in the race last week and there was hope in Italy that they could be a viable option can be. .
Juventus, who are also in the hunt for Kalvin Phillips from Manchester City, want to sign three midfielders this month and felt Henderson had the perfect profile.
But the idea that Al Ettifaq would simply let Henderson leave without complaint was never realistic. They have no interest in doing business now or at least in January.
The former Liverpool captain had received interest from clubs such as Ajax and Juventus
Al Ettifaq made a major statement last summer when they signed Henderson from Liverpool for £12 million, making him the big signing for manager Steven Gerrard.
Henderson and Gerrard have a strong relationship and there is recognition of the challenge they face in the coming months to turn around a disappointing run of form that has seen Al Ettifaq winless in nine games. The Saudi Pro League will not resume until the middle of next month and Gerrard is determined to spark a revival with Henderson at the heart of his team.
Henderson also knows how important it is to improve his own form with his place in the England squad under pressure ahead of the 2024 European Championship this summer.
England manager Gareth Southgate is monitoring the situation. He appreciates Henderson’s leadership qualities and the relationship they have, but would never make a selection based on sentiment.