Henderson to leave Ajax before 2026 World Cup

Jordan Henderson is leaving Ajax and is weighing up his next move before next year's World Cup.

The England international joined the Dutch giants in January 2024 and has made more than 50 appearances in the Netherlands.

But Henderson is not extending his contract at the Amsterdam Arena and will now start exploring a move elsewhere.

The midfielder, 35, is understood to have interest from clubs in England and top leagues in Europe.

The former Liverpool captain has been back in Merseyside in recent days to mourn the passing of ex-team-mate Diogo Jota, who tragically died last week after a fatal car accident.

He lifted the Premier League - the club's first league title in 30 years - Champions League, FA Cup, two League Cups, Fifa Club World Cup, Uefa Super Cup and the Community Shield during his 12 years at Anfield, before joining Al-Ettifaq on a three-year deal in July 2024.

However, his time in the Saudi Pro League lasted less than six months and his contract was cancelled so he could join Ajax on a two-and-half-year deal.

Henderson has featured in both of Thomas Tuchel's full England squads since the German's appointment as national team head coach in January.

Indeed, his next move is likely to be pivotal towards Henderson keeping his place in Tuchel's plans before USA 2026.

Henderson made his England debut in a friendly against France in November 2010 at the age of 20, and he was called up to the Euro 2012 squad to replace the inured Frank Lampard two years later.

He has made 84 appearances for the national side and scored three goals, featuring in England's previous three World Cups squads in Brazil, Russia and Qatar.

After being left out of the preliminary Euro 2024 squad - as he had not played for England since 2023 - he made his return earlier this year in games against Albania and Latvia.