Jordan Henderson next club: Ajax join transfer race for Al-Ettifaq midfielder as he waits for green light to leave Saudi Arabia

The England international left Merseyside to join Al-Ettifaq in the summer after spending 13 years in Liverpool's first team. In the process he reunited with former team-mate Steven Gerrard, who was brought in to coach the Saudi club in July, but the Liverpool legends have been unable to come up with a winning formula in the Middle East. Al-Ettifaq have not won any games since October and are now laguishing down in eighth in the Saudi Pro League. Henderson, who is reportedly on a £350,000 to £700,000-per-week wage structure, is having a troubled time settling into a new culture.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Henderson might be offered an escape route by Ajax as the Dutch giants have shown "concrete interest" in the midfielder. There are several other clubs also waiting for Al-Ettifaq to confirm whether Henderson will be allowed to leave in the current transfer window.

Liverpool icon Graeme Souness has suggested that Henderson's wife may be influencing his desire to leave Saudi Arabia. If he indeed secures an exit from the Pro League before the end of the month, then the midfielder will also have to accept a huge cut wage cut, as it is unlikely that any European outfit would match his current salary.

The Saudi Pro League is currently on a break due to the upcoming AFC Asian Cup, with fixtures not due to recommence until February. Henderson may, therefore, have played his final game for Al-Ettifaq, though a potential return to Liverpool has already been ruled out by Jurgen Klopp.