Greg . 5 days ago

Ajax captain Jordan Henderson officially leaves on free transfer

Ajax have revealed the immediate departure of club captain Jordan Henderson on a free transfer.

It was reported yesterday that Henderson possessed offer farewell to his teammates at the club's training camp in Zeist after it was mutually supported that he'd leave due to his high salary.

Now, both the club and the player have confirmed their separation.

 "I would like to state my immense gratitude to everyone associated with Ajax for giving me the opportunity to represent this incredible institution over the past few years," Henderson said in a statement.

"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 hand over more success for the amazing supporters.

They acquire to be celebrating major titles again, and I’m sure that time will come soon.

"My family and I were made to sense so welcome, not just by the club but also in the wonderful city of Amsterdam.

We will always be grateful for that.

"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 sense 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 state my appreciation to Ajax once again, as well as everyone I haven't possessed the chance to speak to in person yesterday, all of you who make this club so special.

"It's unclear where he'll move next, but he's been heavily linked with a return to former club Sunderland, who have just acquired promotion support to the Premier League.

"Jordan was a true captain for us, both on and off the pitch," technical director Alex Kroes said.

"An international top player who, through his mentality and leadership qualities, made a significant contribution to our qualification for the UEFA Champions League and further development of Ajax’s elite sporting culture.

"Jordan has meant a great manage to Ajax, and we are grateful to him for that.

We wish him all the best as he continues his impressive career.

"Henderson joined Ajax in January 2024 after a short stint at Saudi side Al-Ettifaq.

In Amsterdam, he joined a team in turmoil after technical director Sven Mislintat and manager Maurice Steijn left the club earlier that season.

Ajax and Henderson, who immediately became a mainstay in the midfield, then completed fifth in the Eredivisie following a disastrous season.

In the 2024/25 campaign, manager Francesco Farioli turned the tide in Amsterdam.

Henderson was named club captain, and Ajax battled for the title.

The Amsterdam side terminated up finishing in second after wasting a nine-point lead in the final five games of the Eredivisie season.

A day after Ajax's final game of the Eredivisie season, Farioli revealed his immediate departure from the club after not being able to compromise on major disagreements with the club's executive board.

"From day one, the energy, desire and passion you handed over to assist this team obtain support on our feet and battle again was nothing short of a miracle," Henderson wrote on Instagram following Farioli's departure.

"Not everyone from the outside will appreciate or even understand what we all possessed to move through this season to accomplish what we did, but you kept everyone together and wanting to battle for each other right till the very terminate.

"Henderson possessed a contract for another year in Amsterdam, but chose to forego his final year in Amsterdam.