Jordan Henderson makes stunning transfer U-turn after trying to force Ajax exit

The former Liverpool captain tried to force through a move to French club Monaco on Thursday.

Ajax skipper Henderson was subsequently named in the starting XI for the 2-1 victory over Galatasaray in the Europa League, albeit without the captain's armband.

It has been reported the England international removed it moments before kick-off after the PA system announced him as captain, while conflicting reports claim manager Francesco Farioli made the decision to strip Henderson of the armband.

According to De Telegraaf, Henderson requested to join Monaco on a free transfer, despite his contract running until 2026.

It is understood Henderson issued the club with an ultimatum - let him go for free or he will never play for the club again.

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Now, that same Dutch outlet is reporting that Henderson has suddenly changed his mind.

De Telegraaf claims the 34-year-old deeply regrets his behaviour, telling technical director Alex Kroes that he now wants to stay at Ajax.

Reflecting on the fallout, Netherlands icon Wesley Sneijder was discussing Henderson's future when he told him to 'be a man' and 'get in front of the camera' to address his future.

Ziggo Sport presenter Helene Hendriks told Sneijder and former Netherlands footballer Frank De Boer that they had asked Henderson or Kroes to address the situation.

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De Boer responded: "Henderson doesn't have to appear in front of the camera before the match. He can just concentrate on the match and then appear in front of the camera.

"I understand Pasveer. He has to do it, but this is nonsense. Henderson has other things on his mind and doesn't feel like responding."

While Sneijder said: "Don't be so difficult. You just play that match with the armband on and then you say, 'Yeah guys, I don't know yet.

"Something is going on. We'll see what happens tomorrow.

"Be a man and stand up. Right now you get all this speculation and you create unrest. It could have been much calmer if he had just worn the [captain's] armband."

Sneijder added: "I find it very strange. I don't think UEFA had even figured it out yet.

"So there must have been some kind of switch at the last moment. That does raise questions.

"I don't know if we'll hear an explanation from Farioli, because he probably won't give an answer. But I find it strange.

"I think: if you choose a different captain, you shouldn't field Henderson either."

After a hugely successful career with Liverpool, Henderson completed a move to Saudi Arabia in the summer of 2023 as he joined Al Ettifaq.

But just six months later he left Saudi and returned to Europe with Ajax.

But things haven't exactly gone to plan for Henderson in Amsterdam despite Ajax's return to form.

The former Sunderland ace has not always found game time easy to come by and was dropped for an Eredivisie fixture shortly after his arrival at the club.

Henderson was also involved in a heated bust up with teammate Bertrand Traore in a Europa League tie earlier this season.

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With just a few days left of the transfer window it remains to be seen what the future holds for Henderson.

But with Ajax's season hanging in the balance, it seems that they will have a big decision to make.