When Ajax fans first heard their club was attempting to sign Jordan Henderson, disbelief was their initial reaction. This feeling gradually gave way to genuine hope. It was reminiscent of the summer of 2014 when the Amsterdam side was linked to Samuel Eto'o, although he ultimately joined Everton. However, rumors became a reality in January when Ajax announced the signing of ex-Liverpool midfielder Henderson on a two-and-a-half-year contract.
Henderson, 33, was available after leaving Al-Ettifaq, prematurely ending his much-debated stay in Saudi Arabia. His arrival generated significant excitement in a transfer window, otherwise lacking notable signings. Ajax, a club needing experienced players to guide their young squad, saw Henderson as a critical addition, while Henderson sought competitive football to make England's Euro 2024 squad.
Early Season Troubles
Ajax’s season began with significant challenges. They briefly found themselves at the bottom of the Eredivisie table, a rare and concerning position for the club. Amateur side Hercules's embarrassing elimination from the Dutch Cup compounded their woes.
Management Turmoil
These struggles led to managerial changes. Maurice Steijn was sacked after just four months in charge. Behind the scenes, Sven Mislintat, the director of football and former Arsenal head of recruitment, also faced dismissal. His policy of signing young, inexperienced players met resistance, and it became clear that the team needed seasoned professionals to balance the squad.
John van 't ship's Interim Leadership
John van 't Schip took over as interim manager, bringing a glimmer of hope. Henderson bought into the project wholeheartedly, stating, "I'll eat, breathe, and sleep Ajax and dedicate myself every single day, every single session, to try to be better and help this team and this club improve."
Early Contributions
Henderson's commitment was evident from the start. In an early gesture of solidarity, he traveled alone to support his team during an away game at Heracles. His debut came in a 1-1 draw against league leaders and eventual champions PSV, where he received praise for his calmness and leadership on the field.
Stepping Up as Captain
With usual captain Steven Bergwijn injured, Henderson was handed the captain's armband. Teammate Sivert Manssverk remarked, "Henderson's eagerness is extraordinary. He came here to build Ajax, and it quickly became clear that he is a great addition to our squad." Interim manager Van ‘t Schip echoed these sentiments, highlighting Henderson's professionalism and leadership.
Struggles on the Pitch
Despite his leadership, Ajax's on-field performance remained inconsistent. Injuries to key players like Bergwijn and Steven Berghuis compounded the team’s difficulties. A 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa in the Europa Conference League marked a low point, with Henderson unable to lift the team's confidence and performance.
Fitness Concerns
Henderson's season was further disrupted by a muscle injury in March, sidelining him for over a month. The injury was diagnosed while on England duty, leading him to stay in his home country for treatment. This period saw Ajax suffer, including a humiliating 6-0 defeat to rivals Feyenoord, the heaviest in their Eredivisie history.
Limited Impact
Henderson only managed to play nine of the available 16 league games, significantly limiting his impact. His absence during crucial matches contributed to Ajax's inconsistent performance and inability to challenge for top honors.
Fan Disappointment
Fans like Jan Ruijtenberg, a long-time Ajax supporter, expressed disappointment. "I'm pretty disappointed with what Henderson has brought so far," he said. The hopes that Henderson would stabilize the team and lead them to Champions League qualification still needed to be met. Ajax finished nine points behind AZ, failing to capitalize on the momentum at the start of Henderson’s tenure.
Assessment of Henderson's Role
Criticism wasn't entirely directed at Henderson. Ruijtenberg acknowledged Henderson's maturity to the team but felt his influence was overstated. "I think Van 't Schip made Henderson too important, and he felt that responsibility perhaps, meaning he was a bit too present on the pitch," he observed. The system adjustment around Henderson yielded the desired results when it was reverted.
Support for Henderson’s Stay
Despite the mixed results, many fans and teammates still see value in Henderson. Ruijtenberg and others believe he can be a reliable player for Ajax under a new coach, contingent on balancing his high wages and the club's financial considerations.
Voetbal International's Insights
Dutch weekly Voetbal International reported that Henderson was taken aback by the training and match levels at Ajax, feeling a lack of the high-performance culture he was accustomed to at Liverpool. Ajax’s recent struggles and rapid rebuilding efforts are why they sought Henderson's experience.
New Management
With Francesco Farioli taking over as manager after negotiations with Graham Potter fell through, Henderson's role and future at Ajax will be a significant discussion point. Farioli must assess how Henderson fits his plans for the team's rebuild.
Praise from Peers
Henderson continues to receive support from his teammates. Devyne Rensch, a young defender, praised him after the season's final game against Vitesse. "He is a real leader with a lot of experience," Rensch said. "In terms of the game and the experience, he has certainly helped us."
Jordan Henderson’s move to Ajax has had its highs and lows. His leadership and professionalism have been assets, but injuries and team instability have hindered his ability to make a substantial impact. As Ajax prepares for the next season under new management, the club and Henderson must consider their future together carefully. With a proper preseason and a more settled squad, there is hope that Henderson could yet become a valuable player for Ajax, fulfilling the potential that both he and the club saw in this move.
