Ajax director of football Alex Kroes has hit back at critics who have questioned his decision to allow Jordan Henderson to join Brentford.
Ajax Life have an interview with the director of football today. He discusses various aspects of the Dutch club. That includes what went on in the summer transfer window.
The Eredivisie giants underwent something of a restructuring throughout the summer. There was a particular focus on cutting costs. That includes getting rid of high earners.
Henderson was one of them they were keen to move on. He eventually returned to the Premier League, joining Brentford on a free transfer.
That’s proven to be something of a masterstroke for the Bees. Henderson has quickly established himself as a key player in Keith Andrews’ system. Furthermore, he’s proven there’s plenty left in the tank too, with several impressive performances to date.
That’s led to questions being asked at Ajax. Several pundits and journalists have questioned the decision to let Henderson leave, particularly without securing an obvious replacement.
Brentford transfer decision backed
It appears Kroes has now tired of those questions. He wants to put the record straight over Henderson’s move to Brentford this summer.
“It’s very simple. We made an agreement with Jordan when he was able to leave in January,” he said.
“He would give his all for the second half of the season at Ajax to help us become champions or reach the Champions League. And then he had until July 14th to leave on a free transfer.
“That was a good agreement for both Ajax and him at the time. At the beginning of July, there was still nothing, so I called his agent and pointed out the approaching date.
“He informed me that Jordan would very likely leave, but he didn’t yet know which club. In the end, it was Brentford.
“I understand people have different opinions about that. But they don’t know the details, and we don’t have to share them. For me, it’s a matter of sitting still while you’re being shaved. (Laughing) Doesn’t matter, I don’t have much hair anymore.”
