Ajax manager John van ‘t Schip has admitted the Dutch giants are speaking to Jordan Henderson over a potential transfer this January.
90min revealed last week that Henderson will soon hold a meeting with Al Ettifaq officials in which he could confirm his desire to leave the club, having failed to settle in Saudi Arabia and grown concerned over his future with the England national team.
Henderson has interest from the Premier League and the Bundesliga, but Ajax also emerged as potential suitors last week and Van ‘t Schip has now confirmed his side’s desire to get a deal done.
“There is serious talk going on with Henderson,” he told ESPN. “He still has some things to arrange in Saudi Arabia.
“It could be a nice match. It’s no secret that we could really use that type of player. Other guys can benefit from that.”
Despite Ajax’s interest, 90min understands Al Ettifaq currently have no interest in parting ways with Henderson and do not feel under pressure to agree to a sale just six months after signing the former Liverpool captain.
Henderson was a huge part of Al Ettifaq’s project this season and there is significant reluctance to part ways at this point in the campaign, with the Saudi side expected to demand a huge fee in any potential negotiations.
Indeed, it could take close to £20m for Al Ettifaq to make a profit on Henderson – something on which club officials will insist – while any loan deal would also require a sizeable fee on top of full payment of the midfielder’s wages.
Such demands could prove too much for Ajax, who are up to fifth in the Eredivisie standings after a disastrous start to the campaign had them closer to the relegation zone.
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