When Jordan Henderson was relieved of his duties as Ajax captain a move looked to be in the offing – but now the situation has taken a twist.
Henderson, 34, was stripped of the captaincy ahead of Ajax’s 2-1 Europa League win against Galatasaray on Thursday evening, with veteran goalkeeper Remko Pasveer sporting the armband.
The decision fuelled rumours of a potential move away from the Amsterdam-based club.
Ahead of the match, journalist Fabrizio Romano issued an update on the former England international’s future.
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“AS Monaco are closing in on deal to sign Jordan Henderson from Ajax as new midfielder!” he wrote on X. “Permanent move almost agreed on contract until June 2026.”
However, despite the speculation surrounding his future, Henderson started the game at the Johan Cruyff Arena and played 77 minutes before being replaced by Daniele Rugani.
When asked about Henderson, Ajax boss Francesco Farioli explained that Henderson was in fact “captain of Ajax”.
"Yes, he is the captain of Ajax,” Fariola told Ziggo Sport. “Why should I lose an important player, a key player as he is? There’s no reason.
"I think he’s showing his character, his leadership. The armband is just a piece you’re wearing, nothing more than that.”
"I said yesterday in the press conference that we will see the fourth of February who is going to be here,” he added.
“From there we will work on, again and again and again.
"If I could have a clear answer about the situation I’d be more happy to give it, not just about Jordan but about everything we read every two hours."
Now, a shock twist has emerged with Dutch outlet Telegraaf reporting that Henderson has told Ajax’s technical director, Alex Kroes, that he will finish the season in Amsterdam and he is prepared to “give everything” to help the club secure automatic qualification for the Champions League after Kroes entered the dressing room following Thursday's Europa League fixture.
"Henderson is said to have explained his unprofessional behaviour by stating that he had let his head spin,” the report explains.
Ajax currently sit second in the Eredivisie, trailing league leaders PSV by four points having played one game less.
Henderson's side are back in action on Sunday, when they will play host to Feyenoord at the Johan Cruyff Arena.
Topics: Ajax, Jordan Henderson, Transfer News, Europa League, AS Monaco, Fabrizio Romano, Champions League
Luke Davies