Brentford are poised to complete the signing of veteran England midfielder Jordan Henderson on a two-year contract, following the 35-year-old’s early release from Ajax.
Henderson’s move comes after a mutually agreed termination of his contract with the Dutch club, which was due to run until 2026. Despite attracting significant interest from several clubs across Europe and the Premier League, Brentford have secured the services of the former Liverpool captain, marking a major statement of intent ahead of the new season.
The deal, expected to be finalised in the coming days, will bring Henderson back to English football’s top flight, where he made over 350 appearances for Liverpool and helped the club win a host of major honours, including the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and Club World Cup.
Henderson’s Premier League return not only bolsters Brentford’s midfield options but also enhances his prospects of remaining in Thomas Tuchel’s England plans ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Despite being omitted from Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad, Henderson has been recalled under Tuchel, making three appearances since the German took over in January.
At Brentford, Henderson is expected to fill the void left by former club captain Christian Nørgaard, who recently completed a move to Arsenal. The experience and leadership Henderson brings will be pivotal for a squad looking to consolidate its Premier League status while integrating younger talent.
After departing Liverpool in 2023 to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq, Henderson’s Middle Eastern stint proved short-lived, lasting less than six months. In January 2024, he moved to Ajax, where he made over 50 appearances in all competitions. Although Ajax narrowly missed out on the Eredivisie title to PSV Eindhoven on the final day of the campaign, Henderson’s performances were regarded as a stabilising influence during a turbulent season in Amsterdam.
With Brentford set to confirm the deal imminently, Henderson’s return to the Premier League adds both quality and pedigree to Thomas Frank’s side as they prepare for the 2025/26 campaign.
