Jordan Henderson, the former Liverpool captain and England international, is poised to depart Ajax Amsterdam as a free agent after opting not to extend his contract with the Dutch giants, according to multiple reports. The 35-year-old midfielder, who joined Ajax in January 2024 following a controversial stint in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ettifaq, is now weighing his options as he looks to secure his next move ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Henderson’s decision to leave Ajax marks the end of an 18-month tenure with the club, during which he made 57 appearances, scored one goal, and provided six assists. His time in Amsterdam was marked by moments of leadership, including being named captain shortly after his arrival, but ultimately fell short of silverware as Ajax were pipped to the Eredivisie title by PSV Eindhoven in a dramatic late-season collapse. The midfielder’s departure comes after he reportedly visited Ajax’s training camp in Zeist to bid farewell to his teammates, signaling the end of his chapter with the club.
🚨 Jordan Henderson is set to return to Sunderland as a free agent after leaving Ajax upon the expiry of his contract.
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) July 10, 2025
(Source: O Jogo) pic.twitter.com/smyCRfBzUa
A Career of Resilience and Reinvention
Henderson’s journey to this point has been one of resilience and adaptability. A product of Sunderland’s academy, he made his senior debut for his boyhood club in 2008 before earning a high-profile move to Liverpool in 2011. Over 12 years at Anfield, Henderson became a cornerstone of the squad, captaining the Reds to a Premier League title, a Champions League trophy, and a host of other honors, including the FA Cup, two League Cups, the FIFA Club World Cup, and the UEFA Super Cup.
His move to Al-Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League in 2023 raised eyebrows, particularly due to his vocal support for social causes, which some felt clashed with the move. However, Henderson’s stint in Saudi Arabia lasted less than six months before he mutually terminated his contract and returned to Europe with Ajax. Despite skepticism about his ability to adapt to the Eredivisie at 33, Henderson won over doubters in Amsterdam with his professionalism and steady performances.
Why Leave Ajax?
Henderson’s decision not to trigger the one-year extension option in his Ajax contract appears driven by a combination of factors. Reports suggest his salary placed a significant strain on Ajax’s budget, making his departure a pragmatic move for the club. Additionally, Henderson’s ambition to remain in contention for England’s 2026 World Cup squad under manager Thomas Tuchel is a key motivator. Having earned a surprise recall to the national team in March 2025, bringing his cap count to 84, Henderson is keen to continue playing at a high level to secure his place in the Three Lions’ setup.
The midfielder’s time at Ajax was also marked by personal challenges, including the tragic loss of former Liverpool teammate Diogo Jota in a car accident in 2025. Henderson was granted leave by Ajax to attend Jota’s funeral and pay tribute at Anfield, a gesture that underscored his deep ties to his former club and teammates.
Potential Destinations: Sunderland, Premier League, or Beyond?
As a free agent, Henderson is attracting interest from clubs in the Premier League and across Europe, with some speculation also pointing to Major League Soccer or a return to the Saudi Pro League. One of the most intriguing possibilities is a return to Sunderland, his boyhood club, which secured promotion to the Premier League in May 2025. Portuguese outlet OJOGO reported that Henderson has turned down an opportunity to reunite with former Ajax manager Francesco Farioli at FC Porto, instead favoring a potential move back to the Stadium of Light.
However, Sunderland’s stance on a Henderson return remains unclear. While some reports suggest a sensational homecoming could be on the cards, others indicate that the Black Cats, who have already bolstered their midfield with signings like Habib Diarra and Noah Sadiki, are not actively pursuing Henderson at this stage. Sunderland’s ambitious summer spending, exceeding €100 million, signals their intent to compete in the Premier League, but Henderson’s high salary demands and the club’s focus on younger talent may complicate a reunion.
Elsewhere, Henderson’s experience and leadership make him an attractive option for Premier League clubs looking for a seasoned midfielder. His versatility, work rate, and ability to dictate play could appeal to teams seeking depth or a short-term solution. Interest from European clubs also persists, though specific destinations remain undisclosed.
What’s Next for Henderson?
At 35, Henderson is entering the twilight of his career, but his recent performances for both Ajax and England suggest he still has plenty to offer. His decision to leave Ajax reflects a calculated move to maximize his playing time and maintain his relevance on the international stage. With the 2026 World Cup looming, Henderson’s next destination will likely be chosen with careful consideration of his role, playing time, and competitive level.
Whether he returns to Sunderland for a fairytale homecoming, joins another Premier League side, or explores opportunities abroad, Henderson’s legacy as a leader and competitor remains intact. As he navigates this latest chapter, fans will be watching closely to see where the former Liverpool captain lands next.
