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Al-Ettifaq manager Steven Gerrard has signed a two-year extension as midfielder Jordan Henderson completed his switch to Ajax.
Al-Ettifaq manager Steven Gerrard has signed a two-year extension as midfielder Jordan Henderson completed his switch to Ajax.
The former Rangers and Aston Villa boss has received the backing of the club despite a rocky season, with the new deal keeping the ex-Liverpool midfielder at the helm until 2027.
Gerrard joined the Saudi Pro League side last July but they are winless in their last eight games and sit eighth in the table with just six wins from 19 matches.
"This is very pleasing for myself and my family and feels like recognition for a lot of hard work and commitment," the former England captain told Al-Ettifaq's official website.
"We knew at the beginning this was a big job and a challenging job. We all know it's not going to be an overnight fix. But it's really exciting in terms of where we believe we can get the club to. We want to build a special club and build an elite culture around the team and squad.
"I also understand my position, it's a results business. I never take that for granted. I understand where we are in the league, but I am very confident we will improve. There will need to be an element of patience as there is still a lot to do on and off the pitch.
"Of course, I am going to have challenges in front of me. But I am willing to take them on, embrace it and do the best job I can do for this club."
The 43-year-old was sacked by Aston Villa in October 2022 after just 11 months, winning 13 of his 40 games in charge.
It came after a successful spell at Rangers, spending just over three years at Ibrox and winning the Scottish Premiership in 2021.
Since moving to Al-Ettifaq, Gerard has signed Georginio Wijnaldum, Demarai Gray, Moussa Dembele and Jack Hendry.
Meanwhile, midfielder Henderson joined Ajax on a two-and-a-half year deal after the Saudi club agreed to terminate his contract.
A statement from the Dutch club read: "Ajax has reached an agreement with Jordan Henderson on his transfer to Amsterdam.
"The free agent, former Sunderland and Liverpool player, signed a contract at Ajax lasting two-and-a-half years, until June 30, 2026."
The signing was completed after Henderson, who has 81 England caps, finalised terms and underwent a medical earlier on Thursday.
Ajax coach John van't Schip told the club's website: "We wanted an experienced midfielder with leadership qualities.
"Partially due to injuries in the team, we were looking for someone who could step in immediately. Jordan Henderson is that type of player.
"His arrival means a huge enhancement for our squad. Both on and off the pitch, a football player of this calibre is important for our many young players.
"He's an English international player and has won the Champions League and many other prizes with Liverpool. I am happy he's here."
The move became possible after Al-Ettifaq agreed to Henderson's request to leave.
A statement read: "Al-Ettifaq FC of the Roshn Saudi League and Jordan Henderson have today mutually agreed to terminate the player's contract with the club with immediate effect.
"The decision follows an amicable conclusion to the relationship with the player."
Club president Samer Al Misehal added: "The club and Jordan believe this quick decision, without any delay or further distraction, has been made for the overall good of the club and Jordan."
Henderson said there were no hard feelings about the matter.
He said in a statement issued by Al-Ettifaq: "I'd like to thank the club, the fans and all involved for the opportunity and wish them the best for the remainder of the season.
"A lot of hard work is going on which I know will pay off in the future."
Henderson's move to Saudi Arabia, where same-sex relationships are illegal, caused controversy in the UK as he had previously been a high-profile supporter of LGBTQ+ rights.
He subsequently apologised for any hurt caused but was booed off the pitch at Wembley during an England friendly against Australia in October.
Henderson is unlikely to be able to make his Ajax debut against RKC Waalwijk as he is still awaiting international clearance.
Ajax are currently fifth in the Eredivisie, having recovered from a poor start to the new domestic campaign which saw previous head coach Maurice Steijn depart after just 11 games in charge.
The move could enhance Henderson's hopes of securing a place in the England squad for Euro 2024 this summer.
Henderson, who captained Liverpool to Champions League and Premier League success, hopes it proves beneficial for both himself and the club.
He told the Ajax website: "It's been a difficult year or so for the club, both on and off the field, but that's the same for me in the past six months.
"So hopefully we can help each other come together and help each other go forward and try and be as successful as possible in the near future.
"It's been a bit of a whirlwind, crazy few days, but I'm just so excited now to be here, to start a new chapter, a new journey in my life and my career and I'm just so excited to be here and part of this club.
"Once I knew that there was an opportunity, I was overexcited and really overwhelmed that this opportunity was there for me. It was something that I wanted to try and make happen."
