Jordan Henderson: Ajax close to signing England midfielder from Saudi club Al-Ettifaq

Jordan Henderson began his career at hometown club Sunderland before joining Liverpool in 2011

England midfielder Jordan Henderson is close to joining Ajax after less than six months at Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq.

Preparations are being made for his arrival in Amsterdam but no deal has yet been concluded.

The midfielder, 33, signed a three-year contract worth a reported £700,000 a weekexternal-link with Al-Ettifaq when he left Liverpool in a £12m deal in July.

However, reports have suggested he is unhappyexternal-link and wants to return to Europe.

Henderson linked up with ex-Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, who is Al-Ettifaq manager, but appears to be heading back to Europe, having made just 17 appearances in the Saudi Pro League.

The former Sunderland trainee, who was a prominent supporter of the LGBTQ+ community during his time at Anfield, was criticised by many for moving to Saudi Arabia, where same-sex sexual activity is illegal.

He said he was “really hurt” by the criticism, adding his intention has always been to “help causes and communities”.

Some England fans booed Henderson in his first game back in the country during the Three Lions’ friendly win over Australia at Wembley in October.

Ajax have endured a difficult campaign so far and find themselves in fifth place, 23 points behind leaders PSV Eindhoven.

Should the deal be concluded swiftly, Henderson could make his debut for the Dutch giants against RKC Waalwijk in the Eredivisie on Sunday.