Jordan Henderson leaves Ajax, Sunderland return unlikely

Jordan Henderson’s exit from Ajax was confirmed this morning with the England international now free to find a new club.

Henderson’s contract with the Amsterdammers had another year left to run but the club agreed to his request to leave.

The former Liverpool midfielder has been linked with a return to hometown club Sunderland but local media on Wearside reported that Henderson is not on their radar as they target younger players for their return to the Premier League.

Henderson saying farewell to his teammates ❤️

— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) July 10, 2025

Henderson was a ‘true captain’

An Ajax statement read: “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 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.”

Henderson joined Ajax in January 2024 after a failed spell in Saudi Arabia – for which he received widespread criticism for his previous pro-LGBTQ stance.

The 35-year-old, who won the Premier League and Champions League during his time at Anfield, was also recalled to the England squad by Thomas Tuchel in March.

Regret over title failure

Henderson 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. We will always be grateful for that. 

“Due to the tragic events of last week, and the devastating loss of my former teammate 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 teammates, 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 almost won an Eredivisie title in his brief spell in the Netherlands but Ajax blew a nine-point lead at the top of the table with six games to go to be pipped by PSV Eindhoven.

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