Jordan Henderson's adventure at Al-Ettifaq has never been a success. This is stated by reporter Thom Gibbs in a painful analysis TheTelegraph. The 33-year-old midfielder signed in Saudi Arabia six months ago, but will return to Europe this winter. Henderson is about to sign a contract with Ajax.

Henderson was acquired from Liverpool by Al-Ettifaq for fourteen million euros six months ago. The Englishman was reunited with Steven Gerrard and Georginio Wijnaldum in the Middle East, but did not enjoy it for a moment.

Henderson leaves Al-Ettifaq in eighth place in the Saudi Pro League. The club is in danger of missing the Asia Conference League. None of the last nine official matches were won.

“From a sporting point of view, a PR point of view and a financial point of view, Henderson's journey has been an unmitigated disaster,” Gibbs wrote. “A three-year contract has been torn up, his good reputation tarnished and only the loyalty of Gareth Southgate will prolong his relevance as a footballer.”

Gibbs saw how Henderson fought against the 'edge issues'. “This chapter of Henderson's career was never just about football. There was a bigger mission, the opportunity to change the culture from within, to shine a light on love, to heal the world, to make it a better place.”

Ajax
“But Henderson's fairy tale now continues at Ajax, which is doing even worse than Al-Ettifaq,” it sounds painful. “They were eliminated from the cup by amateurs and are ready for their fourth trainer of the season.”

Gibbs describes the move by Sunderland youth product Henderson as a 'last resort'. “But this is unlikely to be a long-term relationship. From here the options are limited, leaving only one route to new glory. Next stop: Newcastle.”

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