Jordan Henderson’s journey at Ajax has been quite the rollercoaster. The 34 year old made the move to the Amsterdam-based club in January 2024, following a brief spell in the Saudi Pro League.
Former Liverpool captain Henderson’s initial days at Ajax were somewhat inconsistent, with just nine Eredivisie appearances under his belt by the end of the 2023/24 season. Despite fluctuating between the starting XI and the bench under new head coach Francesco Farioli this season, he has proven to be a reliable asset when needed.
When given the captain’s armband, Henderson seemed to grow into a key figure for Ajax as they battled for supremacy in the Eredivisie and the Europa League. However, rumours began swirling in January that Henderson was ready to leave Ajax and sign with Monaco until 2026.
Yet, in a surprising twist, Henderson decided to stay put at Ajax until at least the end of the season – a decision that appears to be paying off as Ajax edge closer to the Eredivisie title.
Ajax supporters were initially irate over the speculation of Henderson potentially moving to Monaco, but it seems he has since won them over. After leading Ajax to a 2-0 victory over PSV on Sunday, Henderson received high praise on social media and was warmly welcomed by fans on the team bus post-match.
One fan on X, previously known as Twitter, remarked: “Henderson. Great captain. Will leave the Eredivisie after 1.5 seasons knowing that he has not left the field as a loser in a single top match.” Meanwhile, another chimed in: “Just a shout-out to Henderson. That man is so important! I really hope he stays after this season.” A third posted: “That Henderson, what a leader he is! ! So important again today.”
And a fourth observed: “Henderson shows once again that he is a key player for this Ajax. Incredibly important, both on and off the field, but we already knew that. Alex Kroes will have to think very carefully this summer about whether he wants to let him go..”
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The sentiment amongst fans is overwhelmingly positive towards Henderson, suggesting he’s flipped the script on his Ajax stint since those transfer rumors began. He’s been a starter in Ajax’s recent outings, going the distance in their latest clash — a 2-0 triumph over closest contenders PSV at Philips Stadion this past Sunday.
Davy Klaasen and Bertrand Traore netted the goals that propelled Ajax to an eight-point lead atop the Eredivisie with just seven games remaining. Given PSV’s erratic form and behind-the-scenes turbulence, all signs are pointing towards an almost certain title win for Ajax this campaign.
Should Ajax clinch the title, it would mark only the second league title of Henderson’s career – a full five years after hoisting the Premier League trophy with Liverpool. He would be hailed as a hero, if not a legend, at Ajax, joining the ranks of players who have steered the club to victory and reinforcing their status as the most successful club in the Netherlands.
