Jordan Henderson’s future at Ajax is already in doubt after the club failed to qualify for the Champions League for the second season in a row.
The Dutch giants are lie in fifth place in the Eredivisie, but will miss out out on a place at Europe’s top table with only the top two going straight into the competition, while third place sees a route via the qualifying round.
The Champions League’s new format next season, will see an extra £372million in prize money for the 36 teams involved for 2024/25, which Ajax now stand to miss out on.
According to The Athletic, the financial hit means the future of big earners like Henderson and Steven Bergwijn face an uncertain future, given the financial problems at the Johan Cruyff Arena.
There is no desire for the former European champions to sell the two players, but as the club’s biggest earners, could be forced to cash-in on their assets if the opportunity arrises.
Jordan Henderson’s future at Ajax is in doubt despite only signing for the club in January
![The Dutch club have failed to make the Champions League, missing out on vital income](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/11/12/84736519-13406929-image-a-2_1715426603866.jpg)
The Dutch club have failed to make the Champions League, missing out on vital income
![Former Tottenham forward Steven Bergwijn could also exit the Dutch club to raise money](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/11/12/84736525-13406929-image-a-3_1715426606733.jpg)
Former Tottenham forward Steven Bergwijn could also exit the Dutch club to raise money
All episodes
-
PODCAST: How many Manchester United players get in the Arsenal team? -
PODCAST: Listen to the latest episode of ‘It’s All Kicking Off!’ -
EPISODE 84: Listen to the latest episode of ‘It’s All Kicking Off!’ -
EPISODE 83: Listen to the latest episode of ‘It’s All Kicking Off!’ -
PODCAST: Is the North London Derby the best game in the League?
The club’s preference would be to sell a number of other squad players, but any bid for the pair must be considered to balance out the loss of missed Champions League income.
Henderson moved to Amsterdam in January on a free transfer, having terminated his contract at Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq.
His move to the Middle East came with much controversy, given Henderson’s previous public stance on human right issues and the reported £350,000-a-week wages he was offered to sign for Steven Gerrard’s side.
The midfielder’s switch to Ajax hasn’t exactly gone to plan, despite his shirt becoming the club’s fastest selling jersey of all time.
The club have suffered a nightmare season, with Henderson only making seven appearances as he’s struggled for form and fitness since the move back to the Europe.
Ajax were knocked out of Europe by Aston Villa and suffered a humiliating 6-0 leage defeat to Feyenoord before the season culminated in missing out on Champions League football
![It was all smiles for Henderson on signing for Ajax and his shirt was a top seller among fans](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/11/12/84736977-13406929-image-a-4_1715428071331.jpg)
It was all smiles for Henderson on signing for Ajax and his shirt was a top seller among fans
![The England midfielder endured a difficult time in the Saudi Pro League after leaving Liverpool](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/11/12/84736987-13406929-image-m-6_1715428078308.jpg)
The England midfielder endured a difficult time in the Saudi Pro League after leaving Liverpool
Their only route into Europe next season looks likely through the Europa League, but a fifth place finish will still mean they would have to go through a qualifying round.
The three time European champs are also still looking for a new boss after Maurice Stejin was sacked in October.
John van’t Schip was put in interim charge but the club are yet to confirm a replacement.
Last week it was reported for Chelsea boss Graham Potter was back in the running for the post, having previously turned down the oppournity as a return to management.