Jordan Henderson’s move from Ajax to Brentford in the summer is still causing heated debate in Amsterdam, with many questioning whether the Dutch giants acted too hastily in letting the veteran midfielder depart. The 35-year-old had become a key figure in the Ajax dressing room and his exit remains a controversial decision among fans and pundits alike.
The former Liverpool captain had bounced back from a turbulent spell in Saudi Arabia by re-establishing himself as a regular in the Eredivisie. Despite a slow start in Amsterdam, Henderson grew into an influential role, offering leadership and composure to a relatively young Ajax side. By the end of last season, he was regarded as one of the team’s most reliable figures both on and off the pitch.
Yet Ajax’s new director of football Alex Kroes pressed ahead with a summer restructuring project that put wages and finances at the forefront. Henderson, one of the club’s top earners, was deemed expendable and allowed to leave on a free transfer. His switch back to the Premier League with Brentford has only magnified the debate, as his strong performances in England highlight exactly what Ajax have lost.
Ajax’s unpopular decision
According to Algemeen Dagblad, the choice to offload Henderson remains unpopular. Ajax director of football Alex Kroes, the man behind the restructuring, has been singled out for criticism.
“Those who restructure never make themselves popular. Kroes also antagonised several top players. Henderson – without mentioning his name – even publicly expressed the feeling of being deliberately pushed out by the director. Kroes finally allowed the undisputed leader to leave on a free transfer this summer. That earned him a dig from Steven Berghuis last week.” — Algemeen Dagblad
The sense at Ajax is that the squad lost not just an experienced player but also a dressing-room leader. The failure to sign an adequate replacement has only intensified the scrutiny.
Henderson thriving at Brentford
For Henderson, the switch back to England has proven a fresh start. He has impressed for Brentford in the opening months of the season, quickly becoming a key part of Keith Andrews’s midfield rotation. His performances in the Premier League have highlighted why Ajax supporters feel his departure was poorly handled.
While Ajax sought to free up wages and reshape their squad, Henderson’s resurgence at Brentford makes the decision appear short-sighted.
Analyst verdict: Ajax lost more than a player
FootballPlace analyst John William suggests the situation shows how financial priorities can clash with sporting needs:
“Ajax wanted to cut costs, but by releasing Henderson on a free, they lost a natural leader. Brentford have gained both experience and stability in midfield. In hindsight, Ajax may regret not finding a middle ground, especially as their young squad lacks a figure with Henderson’s influence.”
Key insights
- Jordan Henderson joined Brentford from Ajax on a free transfer this summer.
- Ajax director Alex Kroes has been criticised for pushing him out to cut costs.
- Henderson hinted he was deliberately forced towards the exit.
- Teammate Steven Berghuis recently referenced his departure with a ‘dig’.
- The English midfielder has impressed at Brentford, intensifying Ajax’s regret.
What’s next for Henderson and Ajax?
Henderson’s focus remains on Brentford, where his form could be vital as the Bees aim to secure mid-table safety in a competitive Premier League season. For Ajax, the fallout highlights wider tensions around Kroes’ restructuring project, which has yet to win over fans or senior players.
If Ajax continue to struggle for leadership on and off the pitch, the decision to move on from Henderson may remain a sore point for months to come.
👉 Do you think Ajax made a mistake letting Jordan Henderson go for free — or was it the right call financially?
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