18 January 2024 , 07:00
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Jordan Henderson is expected to complete a switch to Ajax by the end of this week after bringing an end to his dismal six months at Steven Gerrard ’s Al-Ettifaq.
The 33-year-old made 17 league appearances before agreeing to terminate his £350,000-a-week contract with the club - allowing him to sign for another side as a free agent in the January transfer window.
But it was not that long ago that the former Liverpool captain was arriving in Saudi Arabia proclaiming his intention to help turn their Pro League into one of the world’s best.
Now, however, Henderson has decided half a year was enough.
Here is the timeline of how the move, misery and return unfolded.
Chelsea complete record-breaking Enzo Fernandez transfer after deadline day rush
July 26
Henderson posts a video addressed to Liverpool supporters confirming that he would be leaving Anfield after 12 years.
July 27
Liverpool confirm that Henderson is being sold to Al-Ettifaq for an undisclosed fee, later reported as £12m. But LGBTQ+ campaign groups immediately criticise the move, saying that Henderson is no longer an ally, while former Germany international Thomas Hitzelsperger delivers a withering verdict by questioning what Henderson’s “brand” would become.
August 14
He debuts for Al-Ettifaq in their Pro League opener against Al-Nassr, lasting 87 minutes of a 2-1 win played in stifling heat.
September 5
Henderson gives his first interview since moving to Saudi Arabia, claiming to the Athletic that the move was not all about the money and he hopes to help bring change to the country. “People can believe me or not, but in my life and my career, money has never been a motivation,” he said.
Jordan Henderson in action for Al-Ettifaq (Getty Images)October 13
Booed by thousands of fans at Wembley as he captains England in an otherwise forgettable friendly against Australia. Gareth Southgate backs his midfielder afterwards, sarcastically referring to “the impeccable values and decisions that everyone in our country is making now”, while Henderson admits he was taken aback by the reaction.
Everton chiefs face transfer backlash from fans after deadline day disaster
October 22
Plays in front of 696 fans as Al-Ettifaq lose 1-0 away to Al-Riyadh. The small crowd gets global attention and is the most damning figure yet. Al-Ettifaq’s average attendance is hovering around 7,000.
October 28
Al-Ettifaq beat Al-Wehda 3-2 - but this proves Henderson’s fifth and final win for the club, going on to feature in four draws and three defeats between then and now.
January 6
First reports surface of Henderson looking for a way out of Al-Ettifaq, though it initially looks unlikely.
January 13
Ajax, who have endured a nightmare campaign by their standards, reveal their interest in signing Henderson.
January 17
Confirmation arrives that Henderson and Al-Ettifaq have agreed to terminate his contract, freeing him up for a move to Ajax, who have agreed a deal in principle with the veteran midfielder.