Jordan Henderson could be on the move again as Ajax reportedly look to reduce their wage budget after a disappointing season. Elsewhere in Saturday’s Paper Round, Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is said to be Paris Saint-Germain’s No. 1 target to replace Kylian Mbappe and Darwin Nunez’s representatives are “pushing for a deal to happen” with the Liverpool striker linked with a move to Barcelona.
AJAX COULD SELL HENDERSON
Jordan Henderson could be looking for a new club this summer with Ajax reportedly keen to reduce their wage budget.
The Dutch giants, currently sitting fifth in the Eredivisie, could miss out on European football next season and as a result would be determined to get some of their highest earners off their books. The Mirror writes: “Jordan Henderson could leave Ajax this summer with the club expected to consider selling the midfielder following another disastrous campaign.
“The 33-year-old arrived as a free agent in January after terminating his contract at Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ettifaq, signing a two-and-a-half year deal until June 2026. He made his debut from the start during a 1-1 draw against PSV in February and started eight of the next ten matches.
“However, Henderson picked up an injury during the March international break which kept him out for five matches. The former Liverpool captain returned and grabbed an assist in the 4-1 victory over Volendam last Sunday but he might now have just two more games left in Ajax colours. “This is because Ajax are considering the future of Henderson as they deal with the consequences of failing to qualify for the Champions League next season – and potentially the Europa League too. The Dutch club sit fifth in the Eredivisie table and are guaranteed to finish in their lowest league position since 1999.
“Ajax are nine points behind fourth-place AZ Alkmaar with two games remaining. It represents another dismal season for the Amsterdam outfit and they could be forced to sell their highest earners, according to The Athletic. Henderson and ex-Tottenham winger Steven Bergwijn are among those that could be up for sale.
“Although there is ‘no specific desire’ to sell either player, Ajax may have to sell players to balance the books with potentially no prize money coming in from competing in Europe. Henderson is reported to be pocketing £85,000 per week, rising to £110,000 in bonuses, while Bergwijn is on £76,000 per week.”
PSG LINE UP KVARATSKHELIA AS MBAPPE REPLACEMENT
Kylian Mbappe has finally announced that he will leave Paris Saint-Germain this summer and the French club have moved quickly to identify a replacement.
Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is said to be PSG’s No. 1 target, if a report in The Sun is to be believed.
“Paris Saint-Germain have identified their priority target to replace departing superstar Kylian Mbappe in the summer,” notes the outlet.
“Mbappe, 25, will be leaving PSG at the end of the season after seven years at Parc des Princes and is expected to join Real Madrid.
“According to RMC Sport, the Parisians are now prioritising Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as the star forward’s replacement.
“And this poses as a major transfer blow for Chelsea, Arsenal as well as Manchester United who are also eyeing Kvaratskhelia.
“PSG boss Luis Enrique sees the winger as the perfect candidate to fill in for Mbappe down the left wing and discussions have already taken place.
“Club chiefs have travelled to Italy to meet the Georgia international’s camp.”
NUNEZ’S AGENT WANTS BARCA MOVE
Darwin Nunez’s representatives are “pushing for a deal to happen” with the Liverpool striker linked with a move to Barcelona.
A report in The Sun claims the Uruguay international’s agent has “leaked Liverpool’s asking price”.
“The Uruguayan fuelled speculation when he deleted all Liverpool-related posts from his Instagram,” states the article.
“He was then spotted in Barcelona on a day off from training this week.
“And, according to reports in Spain, Nunez’s agent Jorge Mendes is now pushing for a deal to happen.
“Mas Que Pelotas (via Sport) say that super agent Mendes hopes Barca would get the best out of the misfiring frontman.
“And it is claimed he has even told the Spanish giants that Liverpool will accept an offer of £73million.
“And cash-strapped Barca believe they could afford that fee is they manage to offload their big earners in the summer.”