Henderson set to STAY in Saudi for rest of the season, with Ajax, Juve move off

Jordan Henderson is set to stay in Saudi Arabia for the rest of the season as Al Ettifaq will not consider letting him move in January.

Henderson, who had been a prime target for Ajax and Juventus, flew out to Abu Dhabi yesterday to join up with his club for a two-week winter training camp.

Club officials are expected to speak to him about the situation that has developed over the last week — following Mail Sport’s story that he was seeking a return to Europe — and make it clear that they do not want to do business with anyone.

Henderson, 33, and his young family have found it difficult settling in the Gulf and the England midfielder was aware of interest from a number of European clubs about taking him on loan.

Ajax have pushed hard to secure a deal for Henderson, with caretaker coach John van ’t Schip confirming their interest following his side’s win at Go Ahead Eagles yesterday.

‘I can confirm the club and Henderson are talking,’ said Van ’t Schip. ‘He has to deal with his club now.’

It has been a turbulent campaign for Ajax, who were knocked out of the Dutch Cup before Christmas at amateur side USV Hercules.

The Dutch giants have made it clear that they see Henderson as someone who can transform their fortunes and their interest will not go away, but Juventus also emerged as players in the race last week and there were hopes in Italy that they could be a feasible option.

Juventus, who have also been pursuing Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips, want to bring in three midfielders this month and felt Henderson had the perfect profile.

But the idea Al Ettifaq would simply allow Henderson to leave without a murmur was never realistic. They have no interest in doing business, now or at any stage in January.

Al Ettifaq made a significant statement last summer when they took Henderson away from Liverpool for £12million, making him manager Steven Gerrard’s marquee signing.

Henderson and Gerrard have a strong relationship and there is a recognition of the challenge they face in the coming months to turn around a disappointing run of form, with Al Ettifaq winless in nine games. The Saudi Pro League does not resume until the middle of next month and Gerrard is determined to spark a revival with Henderson at the heart of his team.

Henderson also knows the importance of raising his own form, with pressure on his place in England’s squad ahead of Euro 2024 this summer.

England manager Gareth Southgate has been monitoring the situation. He values Henderson’s leadership qualities and the relationship they have but would never make a selection based on sentiment.