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Featured Image Credit: Getty Images
Topics: Jordan Henderson, Saudi Pro League, Ajax
Daniel Marland
Jordan Henderson has taken his first steps towards leaving Al Ettifaq in the January transfer window.
Henderson left Liverpool after 12 years to move to the Saudi Pro League over the summer.
The England international linked up with former teammate Steven Gerrard, who took over as Al Ettifaq manager in July.
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Results have been poor and the club haven't won a game since October, leaving them eighth in the table.
Henderson, who is reportedly on between £350,000 to £700,000-per-week, is said to be desperate to leave the Middle East after failing to settle.
Per transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Dutch giants Ajax are showing 'concrete interest' and waiting for Al Ettifaq to decide on Henderson's future.
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Ajax are currently fifth in the Eredivisie and 23 points off the top after a poor campaign.
Henderson received backlash from the LGBT+ community for making the move.
The 33-year-old apologised for the offence his transfer may have caused in a chat with The Athletic in September.
He said: "There can be a lot of criticism, a lot of negativity around me as a person. And that was difficult to take.
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"But I just feel as though, because I do care about different causes that I’ve been involved in, and different communities… I do care. And for people to criticise and say that I’d turned my back on them really, really hurt me.
"And obviously the LGBTQ+ community. I can understand the frustration. I can understand the anger. I get it. All I can say around that is that I’m sorry that they feel like that. My intention was never, ever to hurt anyone."
Henderson has been linked with a return to the Premier League in recent days, in addition to Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.
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Chelsea are said to be interested in adding experience to their midfield and may sanction the sale of Conor Gallagher to Tottenham Hotspur.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was also asked about a potential reunion with his former captain.
He asked reporters: "Did Hendo have a press conference and say that? Ahh, it’s just written! That means for me it’s not existing.
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"He didn’t call me! We spoke actually, but not about that. So really nothing to say about that."