Al Ettifaq refuse Jordan Henderson sale despite Ajax interest

Al Ettifaq have no interest in selling Jordan Henderson this January despite Ajax's interest in the midfielder, according to the Daily Mail. 

The former Liverpool captain only signed with the Saudi Pro League last summer for £12m, currently working under another ex-Red in Steven Gerrard.

However, with Al Ettifaq struggling and Jordan Henderson finding it difficult to adapt to life in Saudi Arabia, the 33-year-old is reportedly pushing for a return to Europe this winter.

Juventus have shown interest in signing the England international on a loan deal, but the most promising opening for Henderson right now is a potential switch to Ajax.

The Dutch side, who have significantly underperformed this term, are looking to bolster their squad in the transfer window, identifying Henderson as someone with the quality and experience to help get their season back on track.

Ajax manager John van't Schip even admitted that the Dutch outfit were in discussions with Henderson after his side's victory over Go Ahead Eagles at the weekend.

However, according to the Daily Mail, Al Ettifaq are 'unlikely to consider' letting Henderson leave the club this January, with club officials to discuss the matter with him further in the coming days.

Previous reports have suggested that Al Ettifaq would automatically rule out any loan proposals from European clubs, with only a profitable sale being considered.

That would be good news for Liverpool given they have a healthy sell-on clause, meaning the Reds would profit should he be let go by the Saudi outfit.

However, Gerrard, who is already under huge pressure at Al Ettifaq, is keen to re-energise the club when they return from their winter break next month, with Henderson a key part of his plans.

Georginio Wijnaldum is another former Red at the club at present, while Moussa Dembele and Demarai Gray are also on their roster.

Any move for Henderson is likely to come closer towards the end of the window, but only if Al Ettifaq change their current stance.

Ajax would likely need to free up room on their wage bill to sign Henderson as well, which could be helped by Steven Bergwijn's potential Premier League return.