Jordan Henderson to leave Ajax with Sunderland interested in England veteran

Jordan Henderson is set to leave Ajax this summer as he looks to keep playing at a high level ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

The veteran midfielder, who joined the Eredivisie side in January 2024, racked up over 50 appearances during his time in the Netherlands.

However, he has opted not to renew his deal in the Netherlands and is now evaluating new opportunities.

At 35, Henderson has drawn interest from clubs in the Premier League as well as several top-tier teams across Europe, a return to Sunderland has been touted for the ex-Black Cat.

His next destination could be crucial in helping him retain a place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the World Cup in the United States, despite his age.

The former Liverpool captain has recently returned to Merseyside to grieve the loss of his former team-mate Diogo Jota, who tragically passed away last week in a car accident alongside his brother Andre Silva.

🚨🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Jordan Henderson, set to leave Ajax as he becomes a free agent.

Henderson has not taken up option to extend contract and he’s now open to new chapter. pic.twitter.com/H7lz4MFjqQ

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 9, 2025

Henderson enjoyed a decorated spell at Anfield, where he lifted the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, two League Cups, Club World Cup, Super Cup, and the Community Shield during his 12-year tenure.

He left Liverpool in July 2024 to sign a three-year contract with Saudi side Al-Ettifaq.

However, his stint in the Saudi Pro League was short-lived, lasting under six months before the contract was mutually terminated, paving the way for his move to Ajax on a two-and-a-half-year deal.

Since Tuchel took over the England managerial role in January, Henderson has been a regular figure in both of the German’s full national team squads. His next club decision will likely play a major role in keeping him in the international frame.

With 84 caps and three goals to his name, Henderson has participated in three consecutive World Cup campaigns – in Brazil, Russia, and Qatar. Though he missed the preliminary squad for Euro 2024 after a spell out of the national setup, he made his comeback earlier this year in matches against Albania and Latvia and is very much in the frame for next summer’s tournament.

Adblock test (Why?)