Jordan Henderson has officially left Ajax on a free transfer after the Dutch club agreed to mutually terminate his contract on Thursday, Afrosport reports.
The 35-year-old England midfielder had one year left to go on his contract, but Ajax opted not to have him see it through due to his high wages and bid farewell to his teammates at the club’s training ground.
Henderson joined Ajax in January 2024 from Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq and became a mainstay in the middle of the park amid turmoil in the team that saw the depature of technical director Sven Mislintat and manager Maurice Steijn earlier that season.
Things improved for Ajax during the 2024-25 season under manager Francesco Farioli as they fought for the Eredivisie title, but ultimately finished second behind PSV Eindhoven after wasting a nine-point lead towards the end of the campaign.
“I would like to express my immense gratitude to everyone associated with Ajax for giving me the opportunity to represent this incredible institution over the past few years,” Henderson said in a statement.
“To play for this club was an honour in itself. To have the privilege of captaining it was even more so. My only regret is that we didn’t deliver more success for the amazing supporters. They deserve to be celebrating major titles again, and I’m sure that time will come soon.
“My family and I were made to feel so welcome, not just by the club but also in the wonderful city of Amsterdam. We will always be grateful for that…
“For now, I want to express my appreciation to Ajax once again, as well as everyone I haven’t had the chance to speak to in person yesterday, all of you who make this club so special.”
Henderson saying farewell to his teammates ❤️
— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) July 10, 2025
Henderson has been muted for a return to his boyhood club, Sunderland, where his career began in 2008, after securing Premier League promotion for the first time in eight years.
He was also on the books of Liverpool for 12 years, leading as captain for eight years, winning eight titles, including the Premier League and UEFA Champions League.
