Brentford have officially signed Jordan Henderson on a two-year deal following his departure from Ajax. The 35-year-old England international midfielder joins the Bees on a free transfer and returns to the Premier League for the first time since leaving Liverpool in 2023.
After a brief stint with Saudi club Al-Ettifaq and a recent spell at Dutch giants Ajax, Jordan Henderson is now set to make a new mark with Brentford. His arrival is expected to bring experience, leadership, and a winning mentality to a club undergoing significant changes, including a new head coach and several high-profile exits.
Jordan Henderson’s Transfer: Key Details
- Player Name: Jordan Henderson
- Age: 35
- Nationality: English
- Position: Central Midfielder
- Transfer Type: Free Transfer
- Transferred From: Ajax (Netherlands)
- Transferred To: Brentford (England)
- Contract Length: 2 Years (Until 2027)
- England Caps: 84
- Major Honours: Champions League, Premier League
Jordan Henderson started his career at Sunderland before moving to Liverpool in 2011. Over 12 years at Anfield, he made over 400 appearances and captained the club to multiple titles, including the UEFA Champions League in 2019 and the Premier League in 2020.
In 2023, Henderson made a controversial switch to Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia. Despite criticism over the move, particularly from LGBTQ+ rights advocates given his previous support, he later terminated his contract with the club and signed with Ajax. There, he captained the Dutch side and made 57 appearances before parting ways in July 2025.
Jordan Henderson expressed his excitement about returning to English football, stating:
“After a couple of years away I still have that fire to come back and play in the Premier League again. Obviously, it’s the best league in the world with the best players. So it’s a big challenge but one I’m keen on doing.”
The former Liverpool captain is eager to prove he still belongs at the top level. Despite being 35, he remains highly fit and motivated, which was a key factor in Brentford’s decision to sign him.
Brentford’s New Chapter with Henderson
Brentford’s new manager Keith Andrews was quick to act following the departure of Denmark international Christian Norgaard to Arsenal. With several experienced players like Mark Flekken and Ben Mee also exiting, Andrews saw an opportunity to inject leadership into his squad.
“When we became aware of Jordan Henderson’s availability, it was a pretty simple decision,” said Andrews. “He’s still phenomenally fit and motivated. He brings experience at the highest level, both domestically and internationally.”
Henderson isn’t just a midfielder; he’s a leader known for setting standards on and off the pitch. With 84 caps for England, and a long list of accolades with Liverpool—including the Premier League and Champions League—Jordan Henderson is seen as the ideal figure to guide a youthful Brentford squad.
“He’s been one of the most influential leaders in modern Premier League years,” added Andrews. “He will drive standards and be a brilliant addition to the squad.”
Henderson vs Norgaard: What the Stats Say
Stat comparisons between Jordan Henderson and Christian Norgaard reveal a lot of similarities in their midfield profiles. While Norgaard provided more in terms of defensive duels and goal contributions, Henderson excelled in passes completed and final-third involvement.
- Henderson created more chances per match
- Outperformed Norgaard in final-third passing
- Showed equal leadership in a captain’s role
Brentford’s choice reflects a desire to retain experience and tactical flexibility in their midfield structure.
With Henderson back in the Premier League, expectations are high. Fans are eager to see how the veteran adjusts to Brentford’s dynamic style of play and whether his leadership can help stabilize the club during a transitional period.
He will face Sunderland in August and return to Anfield in October for what promises to be an emotional reunion with Liverpool supporters.
“Both clubs mean a lot to me,” Jordan Henderson admitted. “But when I’m playing against them, there are no friends on the pitch—we know that in football.”
FAQs About Jordan Henderson’s Brentford Move
Q: How long is Jordan Henderson’s contract with Brentford?
A: He signed a two-year deal, running until the end of the 2026–27 season.
Q: What position does Henderson play?
A: He plays as a central midfielder, often used in a deep-lying or box-to-box role.
Q: Why did Jordan Henderson leave Ajax?
A: His contract was terminated by mutual agreement, with a year left, due to Ajax’s disappointing end to the Eredivisie campaign.
Q: What are Henderson’s major career achievements?
A: He has won the UEFA Champions League (2019), Premier League (2020), FIFA Club World Cup, and FA Cup with Liverpool.
Q: Has Henderson been recalled to the England team?
A: Yes, he was recently recalled by England boss Thomas Tuchel after showing strong form at Ajax.