Ajax goalkeeper Remko Pasveer believes the club are suffering from their decision to let Jordan Henderson leave for Brentford, claiming the midfielder’s departure has contributed to their decline this season.
The 41-year-old veteran was outspoken after Ajax’s 5–1 Champions League defeat to Chelsea on Wednesday, which extended their winless run in Europe. The Amsterdam club have lost all three of their continental fixtures so far and sit fourth in the Eredivisie, already nine points behind league leaders Feyenoord.
Henderson, who captained Ajax in most of his 57 appearances after arriving from Al-Ettifaq in January 2024, left in July following a mutual contract termination. He joined Brentford on a free transfer, a decision that continues to divide opinion in the Netherlands.
“We’ve lost a clear leader” – Pasveer questions Ajax direction
“We’re playing a little differently, and in Jordan Henderson, we’ve lost a clear leader. He held everything together, and you definitely miss that.” — Remko Pasveer, via NOS
Pasveer suggested that Henderson’s leadership was central to maintaining order in a young, evolving squad. “A player like that is important for a team with so many young players. You do miss a bit more direction now,” he added.
The goalkeeper’s remarks stand in contrast to Ajax’s director of football, Alex Kroes, who recently defended the club’s handling of the transfer, insisting the decision was necessary for “long-term squad balance.” Kroes remains an unpopular figure among supporters, many of whom feel the team has lost both experience and identity.
Ajax’s struggles underline loss of leadership
Ajax’s poor form this season has drawn scrutiny over their tactical balance and squad depth. They’ve managed just four wins in nine league matches and have shipped 12 goals in their last five across all competitions. Pasveer’s Champions League outing against Chelsea was his first appearance of the campaign — a rare opportunity that underscored the club’s instability both on and off the pitch.
| Ajax 2025/26 (All Competitions) | Stat |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 12 |
| Wins | 4 |
| Goals Conceded | 22 |
| European Record | 0W – 0D – 3L |
source: sofascore & NOS – 23 October 2025
The contrast with Henderson’s new club could hardly be clearer. The English midfielder has already featured eight times for Brentford, helping Thomas Frank’s side climb into mid-table stability while bringing veteran leadership to a youthful dressing room.
Our View
In our view, Pasveer’s comments expose a broader problem at Ajax: an overreliance on youth without the senior anchors that once defined the club. Henderson’s brief spell gave Ajax something they’ve lacked since Daley Blind’s departure — experience, control, and communication in high-pressure moments.
His move to Brentford may have been logical financially, but emotionally and tactically, Ajax look lighter without him. Teams in transition often underestimate how vital such leadership is until it’s gone — and right now, Ajax are feeling the absence acutely.
Analyst Verdict
FootballPlace analyst John William writes:
I think Pasveer’s remarks sum up the unease at Ajax. Henderson may have been nearing the twilight of his career, but his influence extended well beyond the pitch. His standards, voice, and presence gave Ajax’s young squad structure.
We believe the club underestimated the cost of losing that figurehead. Kroes’s long-term plan might make sense on paper, but in the short term, Ajax have clearly regressed — and Pasveer’s candid words underline it.
Key Insights
- Ajax keeper Remko Pasveer blames decline on Jordan Henderson’s exit.
- Henderson captained Ajax in most of his 57 games before joining Brentford.
- Club director Alex Kroes defended the decision but remains unpopular.
- Ajax have lost all three Champions League matches this season.
- Pasveer says the squad now lacks leadership and direction.
What’s Next
Ajax must regroup quickly as they prepare to face FC Twente on 26 October 2025, hoping to close the gap to the Eredivisie’s top three. European redemption looks unlikely this term, but a domestic rebound could restore confidence.
Meanwhile, Henderson will aim to continue his steady run with Brentford, where his leadership is already being felt — the very quality Ajax now seem to miss the most.
👉 Do you think Ajax were wrong to let Jordan Henderson leave for Brentford this summer?
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