Jordan Henderson leaves Ajax in bid to earn England World Cup place

Jordan Henderson is leaving Ajax after his contract expired and is considering his next move.

The former Liverpool captain opted not to trigger a 12-month extension with the Dutch club as he tries to earn a place in the England squad for next summer’s World Cup.

Henderson, who has won 84 caps, was recalled to the England squad by new manager Thomas Tuchel and started last month’s win over Andorra.

The midfielder joined Ajax in January 2024 after terminating his contract with Saudi Arabia Pro-League side Al-Ettifaq.

A club statement, released on Thursday, read: “The club has cooperated with the player's request to terminate the current employment contract. The Englishman's contract with Ajax ran until June 30, 2026, but now ends immediately.”

Henderson, who was appointed Ajax captain within a few weeks of his arrival, almost led them to the Dutch title last season, only for the Amsterdam club to lose a nine-point lead when PSV Eindhoven overhauled them.

He scored one goal in 57 games for Ajax after ending his brief stay at Al-Ettifaq, who he had joined in a controversial transfer in 2023.

Henderson said in the same statement: “I would like to express my immense gratitude to everyone associated with Ajax for giving me the opportunity to represent this incredible institution over the past few years. To play for this club was an honour in itself. To have the privilege of captaining it was even more so.

“My only regret is that we didn’t deliver more success for the amazing supporters. They deserve to be celebrating major titles again, and I’m sure that time will come soon.”

Henderson, the only player to win both the Premier League and Champions League as Liverpool skipper, made 492 appearances in his 12 years at Anfield, spending the last eight as captain.

He was in Portugal on Saturday for the funeral of his former Liverpool teammate Diogo Jota and also paid his respects in the tribute outside Anfield.

Henderson continued: “Due to the tragic events of last week, and the devastating loss of my former teammate Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, it doesn’t feel right at this moment to say or do more than share this brief statement. However, I am fully aware that I owe this club, my teammates, and the supporters a fuller and more personal thank you. I will, of course, do that when the time feels more appropriate.

“For now, I want to express my appreciation to Ajax once again, as well as everyone I haven't had the chance to speak to in person yesterday, all of you who make this club so special.”