Jordan Henderson applauded by fans in what could be Ajax’s final game

Jordan Henderson looked emotional as he received a standing ovation in what could be his final home game as an Ajax player.

The 33-year-old continued his return to top form ahead of Euro 2024 by starting Ajax’s comfortable 3-0 win over Almere City.

2

The England international was a much-heralded signing for the Eredivisie giants after arriving as a free agent in January.

However, just four months later, Ajax would consider their future as having failed to qualify for the Champions League next season.

Henderson became one of the club’s highest-paid players after signing a two-and-a-half year contract until June 2026.

He started eight of the club’s next ten matches after terminating his contract at Al Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia.

But his progress was halted by an injury suffered during the March international break which kept him sidelined for five matches.

The former Liverpool captain grabbed an assist on his return in the 4-1 win over Volendam last weekend before facing Almere on Sunday.

Henderson played 79 minutes, had 98 touches and made two key passes before being replaced by Branco van den Boomen.

The midfielder looked dejected as he acknowledged the applause from the crowd at the Johan Cruyff Arena.

2

Ajax’s result guarantees fifth place, but the club will not play in Europe’s elite next season after a second consecutive difficult campaign.

The Amsterdam side are nine points behind fourth-placed AZ Alkmaar with one game remaining.

According to The Athletic, Henderson and former Tottenham winger Steven Bergwijn are now among the players whose futures are uncertain.

Reports in the Netherlands then surfaced that Henderson would soon hold talks with Ajax and a quick departure was not ruled out.

The England star failed to get on the scoresheet but watched Bergwijn score a quick hat-trick in the first half to seal all three points.