Ajax will continue to try to get a deal with Al Ettifaq, and they are planning to make a bid to purchаse Jordan Henderson.
Because of their reluctance to part with the 33-year-old, Al Ettifaq had turned down loan offers.
On Sunday, Henderson boarded a plane to Abu Dhabi to begin a two-week winter training camp with his club.
After Mail Sport reported that he was looking to return to Europe, club executives are anticipated to have a conversation with him over the events of the past week and make it plain that they are not interested in doing business with anyone.
The 33-year-old England midfielder was aware that several European clubs were interested in loaning him out, and he and his young family have had a hard time adapting in the Gulf.
Caretaker coach John van’t Schip confirmed Ajax’s interest in signing Henderson after Sunday’s victory over Go Ahead Eagles, indicating that the club has been actively pursuing a transfer.
Van ‘t Schip confirmed that talks are taking place between the club and Henderson. “Now is the time for him to address his club.”
Ajax has had a tumultuous season thus far, losing the Dutch Cup to amateur team USV Hercules just before Christmas.
The attention and belief of the Dutch giants in Henderson’s ability to change their fortunes will not wane. However, Juventus also entered the picture last week, and Italians were hoping that they may be a realistic choice.
With three midfielders they want to sign this month, Juventus saw Henderson as the ideal candidate, and they have also been interested in Kalvin Phillips of Manchester City.
However, it was never a realistic expectation that Al-Ettifaq would silently permit Henderson to depart. Neither at this time nor at any point in January do they intend to conduct business with us.
By acquiring Henderson from Liverpool for £12 million last summer, Al-Ettifaq made a bold statement and became manager Steven Gerrard’s most prized acquisition.
Al-Ettifaq have gone winless in their last nine games, and Henderson and Gerrard are well aware of the difficulty of the task ahead as they work together to overcome this setback in the next months. Even if the Saudi Pro League doesn’t start up again until mid-month next month, Gerrard is Һell-bent on reviving his team around Henderson.
There is a lot of pressure on Henderson to improve his own form in order to secure a spot on England’s squad for Euro 2024 this summer.
England coach Gareth Southgate has kept tabs on developments. Despite his admiration for Henderson as a leader and their close friendship, he would never let emotion influence his decision.