French side AS Monaco are close to confirming a permanent deal for Ajax captain Jordan Henderson until 2026.
Despite reports from Fabrizio Romano that the deal might be close, Dutch news outlet De Telegraaf is reporting that Ajax have in fact blocked the deal and are adamant the Englishman will stay until at least the summer.
Ajax are currently second in the Eredivisie, four points behind rivals PSV, although they do have a game in hand. The team from Amsterdam will be keen to hold onto their club captain as they seek to win back the Dutch title following their poor season last year.
That stance could change, however, if Ajax secure a midfield replacement. They have already re-signed Netherlands U21 international Youri Regeer from FC Twente, a player who came through Ajax’s academy before leaving in 2023 for £750k.
Henderson in Holland
The 34-year-old joined the Dutch side from Al-Ettifaq in January 2024 following a difficult period in Saudi Arabia, but has found his feet in the Netherlands as Ajax captain.
The former Liverpool captain has made 31 appearances for Ajax this season across all competitions, registering 5 assists and he is currently ranked 6th in the Eredivisie for accurate passes with a success rate of 88.7%
A move to the south of France would see him reunited with former Liverpool colleague Takumi Minamino – with whom he played 30 times with for the Reds.
Monaco’s Champions League run
AS Monaco will be hoping to reinforce in midfield after qualifying for the playoff round of the Champions League. Henderson, of course, has experience in the competition, reaching the final three times with Liverpool and winning it in 2019, so could be a real asset in the knockout rounds.
Domestically, Monaco currently sit third in Ligue 1, 13 points behind leaders PSG. With the title race seemingly out of reach, their focus is on securing Champions League qualification. Marseille, in second place with 37 points, currently hold the other automatic spot, while Monaco (34 points) must fend off competition from Nice (33), Lille (32), and Lyon (30) to stay in contention.
As the transfer window nears its conclusion, Henderson’s future remains uncertain—whether he stays to lead Ajax’s title charge or makes a surprise move to Ligue 1 could hinge on Ajax’s ability to secure another midfield signing.