England international Jordan Henderson is close to joining AFC Ajax after less than six months at Al-Ettifaq, according to several reports on Wednesday.
In July, the former Liverpool captain signed a three-year contract with the Saudi Arabian Club worth 700,000 pounds ($1 million CND) a week. Now, he appears poised to depart, according to David Ornstein of The Athletic.
The midfielder made 17 appearances and recorded four assists for Al-Ettifaq, managed by Steven Gerrard, Henderson's former Anfield teammate.
However, The Athletic reported the 33-year-old is unhappy with the club and attendance at matches, and has found it hard for him and his family to settle down in Saudi Arabia.
The Sunderland native, who has been a LGBTQ+ supporter during his career, was also criticized for moving to Saudi Arabia, where homosexuality is illegal.
AFC Ajax, fifth in the Eredivisie, is devising final details of the Englishman's transfer. According to The Guardian's Fabrizio Romano, Ajax will plan Henderson's travel to Amsterdam and his medical test will be completed by the end of the week.
Ajax is 23 points behind Dutch leaders PSV Eindhoven.
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