Jordan Henderson Poised for Significant Pay Cut in Move to Ajax

Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson is reportedly set to undergo a significant pay cut as he finalizes an 18-month deal with Ajax. The Dutch club is looking to secure the services of the 33-year-old midfielder, who recently terminated his contract with Al-Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League.

Despite the pay reduction, Henderson is poised to become the highest earner at Ajax, earning around $108k (£85k/€99k) per week, potentially rising to $140k (£110,000/€128k) with bonuses. The deal, which includes an option for an additional year, is being finalized by Ajax officials, who flew into Manchester for negotiations.

Ajax hopes to integrate Henderson into the squad quickly, eyeing his potential participation in the upcoming match against RKC Waalwijk. However, the player must first pass a medical examination and address visa requirements. Henderson is expected to undergo the medical in Amsterdam in the coming days, with visa approval remaining uncertain.

Henderson’s decision to leave Al-Ettifaq after a challenging stint in the Middle East signals his desire to return to Europe. Despite financial considerations, he aims to resume his career in a more familiar environment. The move to Ajax follows his departure from Liverpool after 12 years, driven by a $15m (£12m/€14m) offer.

The choice to join Ajax, currently fifth in the Eredivisie, reflects Henderson’s pursuit of contentment and a return to European football. However, the move has sparked discussions about the impact on his reputation, with former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy expressing concerns about the damage to Henderson’s character in the eyes of football fans.

Henderson’s journey serves as a cautionary tale for players considering moves solely for financial gains, emphasizing the importance of weighing personal contentment and reputation against financial considerations in their career decisions.