Just half a year ago, it seemed like Jordan Henderson was gearing up for the final act of his career at Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp’s team required midfield renovations, and although the arrival of players like Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai hinted at a potential decrease in Henderson’s playing time, there was an expectation of a dignified farewell for the Premier League and Champions League-winning captain at Anfield.

Unexpectedly, Henderson is now on the verge of signing with Ajax. From his perspective, Ajax appears more like a lifeboat than a football club, a choice made after rejecting offers from Saudi Arabia due to insufficient compensation, both financially and in terms of growing the game.

His options seemed limited, especially after Juventus withdrew their interest. Moreover, a return to England posed tax complications, making Ajax an appealing alternative.

On the surface, Henderson seems to have landed on his feet. Leaving Al Ettifaq, he is set to join one of the most storied football clubs globally, where he will still command a substantial salary and remain in close proximity to the UK.

However, is this move truly a wise one? Despite Ajax’s rich history, the current team is far from the iconic squads of Johan Cruyff, Clarence Seedorf, or Zlatan Ibrahimovic. It doesn’t even resemble the Ajax of Antony.

Henderson is entering an Ajax team that has faced significant challenges this season, resembling more of a circus act than a football powerhouse, although the tumult has somewhat subsided in recent months.