Jordan Henderson, the former Liverpool captain and England international, has officially parted ways with Ajax Amsterdam after opting not to extend his contract, making him a free agent. The 35-year-old midfielder, who joined the Dutch giants in January 2024 following a brief stint with Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia, is now considering his next move with interest from clubs in the Premier League and across Europe. His departure marks the end of an 18-month tenure at Ajax, where he made 57 appearances, scored one goal, and provided nine assists.
Henderson’s time at Ajax was marked by both highs and lows. Appointed captain shortly after his arrival, he nearly led the club to the Eredivisie title last season, only for Ajax to lose a nine-point lead to PSV Eindhoven in a dramatic end-of-season collapse under former head coach Francesco Farioli. Despite the disappointment, Henderson’s leadership and experience were praised, with England head coach Thomas Tuchel noting his “character, personality, and energy” after recalling him to the national team in March 2025. “Jordan brings a unique presence to any squad,” Tuchel said, highlighting his value as he eyes a spot in England’s 2026 World Cup squad.
The decision to leave Ajax comes after Henderson declined a contract extension option, a move that allows him to explore new opportunities. Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf reported that Henderson visited Ajax’s training camp in Zeist to bid farewell to his teammates, a gesture that followed an extended leave granted by the club after the tragic death of his former Liverpool teammate Diogo Jota in a car accident. Out of respect for Jota and his family, Henderson has yet to publicly confirm his departure, but sources indicate he is keen to return to the Premier League, with his boyhood club Sunderland emerging as a strong contender.
Sunderland, newly promoted to the Premier League after eight years, are reportedly eager to bring Henderson back to the Stadium of Light, where he began his career in 2008. “A return to Sunderland would be an emotional homecoming,” said a source close to the club, noting that Henderson’s 84 England caps and extensive experience, including Premier League and Champions League titles with Liverpool, could bolster the Black Cats’ ambitions to remain in the top flight. Other clubs, including Nottingham Forest and Marseille, have also been linked with the midfielder, who can sign for no transfer fee due to a clause in his Ajax contract.
Henderson’s departure from Ajax follows a turbulent period that included rumors of a potential move to AS Monaco in January 2025, which Ajax firmly denied at the time. Despite his contributions, including helping Ajax recover form and challenge for the title, his high salary was reportedly a factor in the mutual decision to part ways. “Jordan’s mentality and experience were invaluable, but the financial aspect played a role,” a club insider revealed.