Al-Ittifaq stands firm, denies transfer exit for Liverpool icon Jordan Henderson amid Ajax and Juventus interest

Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, who joined Steven Gerrard in the Middle East in the summer of 2023, is reportedly looking to leave Saudi Arabia due to difficulties adapting to life outside of Europe.

Jordan Henderson Is Not Allowed To Leave Al Ittifaq
Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images

The former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, who joined Steven Gerrard in the Middle East after completing a £12 million ($15m) transfer in the summer of 2023, is reportedly seeking an exit from Saudi Arabia just a few months into his new challenge. Allegedly, Henderson and his family have struggled to adapt to life outside of Europe, prompting his desire to leave. The Daily Mail reports that Al-Ettifaq has no plans to comply with these requests before the January transfer window closes.

Ajax has expressed interest in acquiring Henderson, as confirmed by the Eredivisie club’s interim boss John van’t Schip, who stated, “I can confirm the club and Henderson are in discussions. He now has to negotiate with his current club.” Serie A powerhouse Juventus is also reportedly interested.

However, Al-Ettifaq is hesitant to approve a loan move, as they would still be responsible for a portion of Henderson’s substantial contract, and terminating the deal is not an option. Consequently, it seems likely that the English international will remain with the club until at least the summer.

Jordan Henderson

Jordan Brian Henderson

Defender, Midfielder

EnglandEngland

Age: 34

187 cm

67 kg

Season 2023/2024
Played 6 24 Missed
Minutes 515 85.8 Avg
Goals 0 0.0 Avg
Assist 2 0.3 Avg
Attempt 9 1.5 Avg
Passes 458 76.388.8% AvgSucc
Yellow 0 0.0 Avg
Red 0 0.0 Avg

This season he played in total 17 times for 1528 minutes for Pro League.

Jordan Henderson didn’t score any goal for Al Ittifaq. He procured 4 assists. He received 4 yellow cards and no red cards.

His team is currently 8th in Pro League. In the last match Al Ittifaq drew 1-1 against Al Hazm. The next match in Pro League will be against Al Khaleej.

Al Ittifaq performance and stats

Al Ettifaq

Manager: Steven Gerrard
Rank 6th
Win 10
Draw 11
Loss 8
Goals 35-30
Diff 5

Al Ittifaq is currently 8th in the Pro League with 25 points.

In the last 19 games, it has won 6 times, drawn 7 times, and lost 6 times. In its last match, Al Ittifaq drawn 1-1 against Al Hazm.​​

It has a even goal difference after scoring 22 goals and conceding 22.​

Al Ittifaq will play the next match in Pro League against Al Khaleej on Wednesday 14th of February in Khor Fakkan.​