Ajax’s fall from grace in both domestic and European competition has taken another grim turn, with goalkeeper Remko Pasveer admitting the club still hasn’t recovered from Jordan Henderson’s exit.
The Dutch veteran claimed the former Liverpool captain’s leadership “held everything together” and his move to Brentford has left a massive void at the club.
Ajax’s Champions League nightmare worsened with a 5-1 thrashing at Chelsea, adding to earlier losses against Marseille and Inter Milan. Head coach John Heitinga is now under mounting pressure, with fans growing increasingly furious as the club sits fourth in the Eredivisie, nine points off leaders Feyenoord.
After the defeat, Pasveer said Ajax’s collapse wasn’t just down to the red card and two penalties conceded, but the absence of Henderson’s leadership.
“In Jordan Henderson, we’ve lost a clear leader,” Pasveer told reporters. “He held everything together, and you definitely miss that. Because a player like that is important for a team with so many young players.”
The 41-year-old’s words echo the growing sentiment among supporters that Ajax have failed to replace the England international’s influence on and off the pitch.
Club chief Alex Kroes, however, defended the decision to let Henderson leave, revealing the move was part of a pre-agreed deal as Ajax sought to cut costs.
“He gave his all to help us reach the Champions League,” Kroes explained. “We had an agreement that allowed him to leave on a free transfer by July 14, and Brentford came in at the end.”
Henderson’s 18-month spell at Ajax proved short but impactful. The midfielder made 57 appearances, scored once and provided nine assists, helping the side stabilise and return to the Champions League.
Now at Brentford, the 34-year-old has started seven of eight Premier League games this season, contributing two assists and earning praise for his professionalism.
Ajax, meanwhile, are still searching for identity and direction. With their Champions League hopes hanging by a thread, Heitinga’s future could depend on how quickly the club recovers from the void left by their former captain.