Jordan Henderson, the former Liverpool captain, is set to take a big pay cut to join Ajax. He’s reportedly set to become the highest earner at the Dutch club, even though his wages will be much less than what he was earning at his previous club, Al-Ettifaq.
According to the Mirror, Ajax officials flew into Manchester on Wednesday to finalize an 18-month deal with Henderson, which includes the option of extending for another year. The 33-year-old midfielder is set to earn around $108k (£85k/€99k) per week, which could rise to $140k (£110,000/€128k) per week with bonuses.
This would make him the top earner at Ajax, surpassing Steven Bergwijn who earns about $114k (£90k/€105k) per week after bonuses. Ajax hopes that Henderson will be able to play in their upcoming match against RKC Waalwijk this weekend.
However, before he can make his debut, Henderson needs to pass a medical and sort out his visa. He’s expected to fly to Amsterdam for his medical in the next couple of days, but it’s not certain if his visa will be approved in time.
Henderson ended his contract with Al-Ettifaq this week, signaling his desire to return to Europe. His time in the Middle East was marked by difficulties, with his team, managed by Steven Gerrard, struggling in the Saudi Pro League.
The England star left Liverpool after 12 years when they took a $15m (£12m/€14m) offer. Henderson has put off some of his big wages from the Saudi team but still has to think about taxes.
Not only that, but he joins another struggling team; Ajax is fifth and way behind the top team, PSV, in the Eredivisie. Henderson though has been told that joining Ajax is probably the best he can do right now.
“I think it’s probably as close to home as he can get. I don’t know if there are an abundance of offers on the table. I think if this is a lesson for others looking in from afar, really think hard about it,” said former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy on talkSPORT.
“Depending on your financial situation, sometimes it’s a no-brainer. But he was wealthy anyway, and I think football contentment is a starting place for the rest of your life being happy.
“There might be something other people translate to their own life. But Jordan here, he’s messed it up really. I don’t think from Liverpool fans’ perspective, but for a broad spectrum of football people, his character and his reputation has been damaged by this whole episode.”
