Jordan Henderson is weighing up his next move following the conclusion of his spell with Ajax. The England international joined the Eredivisie club in January 2024 after leaving the Saudi Pro League and went on to make over 50 appearances in the Netherlands. However, his contract at the Johan Cruyff Arena has now expired, and he will begin considering new opportunities as a free agent.
Now 35, the veteran midfielder is understood to have interest from teams in England as well as clubs competing in top-tier European competitions. Henderson has not yet made a decision but is believed to be evaluating offers with careful consideration, especially with international ambitions still on his mind.
In recent days, Henderson has returned to Merseyside to mourn the loss of his former Liverpool teammate Diogo Jota, who died in a car crash last week. The tragic news has brought together several of Jota’s former teammates in remembrance.
From Anfield to the continent
Henderson’s professional journey has seen numerous achievements, most notably during his 12-year stay at Liverpool. As club captain, he helped deliver a historic Premier League title in 2020—Liverpool’s first in three decades—along with a Champions League trophy, FA Cup, two League Cups, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, and a Community Shield.
In July 2024, Henderson opted for a new challenge in the Middle East, joining Al-Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League on a three-year deal. His time in Saudi Arabia was brief, lasting less than six months, after which his contract was terminated, clearing the way for his move to Ajax on a two-and-a-half-year contract.
His short stint in the Netherlands provided him with regular playing time and a chance to return to a higher competitive level, positioning him once again as a candidate for national team duty.
Aiming for a fourth World Cup
Henderson has long been a staple of the England national team, earning his first senior cap in a friendly against France in November 2010. He was later included in the Euro 2012 squad after replacing the injured Frank Lampard and has since become one of England’s most experienced internationals, with 84 caps and three goals to his name.
He featured in England’s squads for the last three World Cups—2014 in Brazil, 2018 in Russia, and 2022 in Qatar—and despite missing out on the preliminary list for Euro 2024, he was recalled to the team earlier this year by new head coach Thomas Tuchel. Henderson appeared in friendly matches against Albania and Latvia, marking his return to the national fold.
As he considers his next destination, Henderson’s primary focus remains staying match-fit and competitive at the highest level to maintain his place in England’s plans for the 2026 World Cup.
