Saudi Pro League CEO explains Jordan Henderson's controversial Ajax transfer and vows that 'more good players' will join Cristiano Ronaldo and Co this summer

The former Liverpool skipper forced his way out of Al-Ettifaq just six months after he shifted base to the Middle Eastern country. The Pro League side had to terminate his contract after he was unable to adapt to life in his new surroundings and became desperate to return to Europe.

Although many deemed Henderson's exit as an embarrassment for the SPL, league CEO, Saad Allazeez begs to differ. While commenting on the midfielder's transfer to Ajax he said: "This is all just part of football, all across the world and life, across all careers. Sometimes, despite best efforts, people don’t always adjust or settle and that can impact performances and lead to frustrations for all.

“Jordan is a good guy and it’s a shame that things didn’t work out for him, but he’d be the first to admit that full support was given to him and respect shown. So everyone tried and no one is to blame.

“I’m pleased the club acted fast as they have to protect their own interests as well as the player and in this instance, this is all for the best. Since their financial conditions for cancelling the contract were agreed upon, they can now use the winter break and transfer window to reset and go again”.

Allazeez insisted that the league will continue to strive for excellence and there will be many more star signings in the summer to join the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar.

"As a league, we have the strength and depth to move forward. In fact, despite it being early days under our new strategy we have never been in a stronger position," he said.

“So far in only five months, we’ve had more goals and become more entertaining, with more fans attending matches and watching in over 160 countries worldwide. We’ve become a younger league, more international and more attractive with commercial revenue up over 650% and new global partners. So, everything is trending in the right direction.

“Looking ahead we are very positive and expect more good players to come in. But, of course, some will move on too. That comes with being a top league, especially when you consider squads are capped. So, we’d expect the flow of talent to go both ways. But overall, we are very happy with the progress and growth in just half a season. Firm foundations have been laid for future strength."

It has been reported that Henderson had to incur a massive financial loss as he is said to have not been paid by the club after agreeing to defer payments on his £350,000 per week contract. After the midfielder voluntarily ripped apart his contract, it has been suggested that he will not receive any of the money.

Henderson will look to start afresh with Ajax having swapped Saudi Arabia for the Netherlands. He might make his debut in the Eredivisie on Sunday when the Dutch giants take on RKC Waalwijk.