The former Liverpool captain arrived at Ajax after signing a two-and-a-half-year deal during the January transfer window following the mutual termination of his contract with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq. Since moving to the Netherlands, Henderson has appeared in three games but has yet to win in the Eredivisie.
Now, Ajax legend Van der Vaart has slammed the club’s decision to sign the veteran midfielder as he feels that the player’s arrival has not made anyone happy.
WHAT RAFAEL VAN DER VAART SAID
Speaking on Ziggo Sport’s football talk program Rondo [via VI], the former Real Madrid and Tottenham midfielder said: “Players have been brought in with zero quality, then you have to sit out this season. They got Jordan Henderson, that doesn’t make anyone happy. You will see that you will get through Thursday against Bodo/Glimt with all the luck in the world. Better get out then.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The 33-year-old left Premier League giants Liverpool last summer to move to Saudi Arabia, where he joined Al-Ettifaq, who are managed by his former colleague and Reds legend Steven Gerrard. But just six months into his contract, Henderson expressed his desire to leave as he was unable to adjust to the conditions in the Middle East. In the Saudi Pro League, the England international appeared in just 17 matches and provided four assists.
WHAT NEXT FOR JORDAN HENDERSON?
The England star will be next seen in action for his club on Thursday in the Europa Conference League as Ajax take on Bodo/Glimt.