JORDAN HENDERSON has had his Ajax contract terminated, the club has confirmed.
The Dutch giants released a statement on Thursday morning confirming the English midfielder had been released from his contract a year early.
GettyJordan Henderson has had his Ajax contract ripped up to release him from his deal a year early[/caption]
GettyHenderson has been linked with a return to the Premier League[/caption]
It read: “Jordan Henderson is leaving Ajax. The club has cooperated with the player’s request to terminate the current employment contract.
“The Englishman’s contract with Ajax ran until June 30, 2026, but now ends immediately.”
The 35-year-old has been linked with a stunning transfer back to the Premier League, with former club Sunderland mooted as a potential destination.
However, local media have denied the Black Cats interest in the England star.
The ex-Liverpool captain also penned a farewell message to the club and its fans, saying it was a privilege to wear the club colours and thanking them for making him and his family feel welcome.
He said: “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.
“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.
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“We will always be grateful for that. Due to the tragic events of last week, and the devastating loss of my former team-mate Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, it doesn’t feel right at this moment to say or do more than share this brief statement.
“However, I am fully aware that I owe this club, my team-mates, and the supporters a fuller and more personal thank you. I will, of course, do that when the time feels more appropriate.
“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 joined Ajax in January 2024 on a two-and-a-half-year deal after mutually terminating his contract with Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Ettifaq, whom he joined to reunite with Steven Gerrard.
Overall he made 57 appearances for the Eredivisie outfit, scoring one goal.
Ajax technical director Alex Kroes also praised the midfielder, calling him a “true captain”.
He said: “Jordan was a true captain for us, both on and off the pitch.
“An international top player who, through his mentality and leadership qualities, made a significant contribution to our qualification for the Uefa Champions League and further development of Ajax’s elite sporting culture.
“Jordan has meant a great deal to Ajax, and we are grateful to him for that. We wish him all the best as he continues his impressive career.”
Last month it was claimed Nottingham Forest and Marseille were targeting a move for Henderson.
His decision to quit Ajax comes a year out from the 2026 World Cup.
Henderson is back in the England frame following the appointment of Thomas Tuchel.
Having been a surprise inclusion in the German’s first squad, he was also included for the most recent international games against Andorra and Senegal.
Remaining in the Three Lions frame will likely play a major role in where he goes next.
GettyThomas Tuchel is a big fan of Henderson[/caption]
GettyAjax chief Alex Kroes called him a ‘true captain’[/caption]
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