Brentford have pulled off a notable coup by signing veteran midfielder Jordan Henderson on a free transfer. The former Liverpool and Ajax captain brings an elite pedigree to West London, reinforcing a squad undergoing significant changes ahead of the new Premier League season.
A Proven Leader Arrives at the Gtech Community Stadium
At 35, Jordan Henderson’s journey continues with a new chapter in the Premier League. The ex-Liverpool skipper has signed a two-year deal with Brentford after terminating his contract early with Dutch side Ajax. Despite having two years remaining on his deal in the Eredivisie, Henderson opted to return to England, drawn by Brentford’s growing reputation and stable structure.
“I’m delighted to be here,” Henderson said in his first interview with the club. “Brentford have made incredible progress in recent years, and I’m excited to contribute to the next stage of their journey.”
From Champions League Glory to Premier League Return
Henderson’s resume speaks for itself: Premier League and Champions League winner with Liverpool, over a decade of top-flight experience, and a long-serving member of the England national team. His brief stints with Al Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia and Ajax in the Netherlands added continental and cultural depth to his game—but the Premier League remains his true home.
Known for his leadership and work ethic, Henderson will aim to inject maturity and top-level mentality into a Brentford side that has lost several key figures in recent weeks.
Brentford’s Summer of Transition
Brentford’s off-season has been anything but quiet. Former manager Thomas Frank departed for Tottenham, captain Christian Nørgaard joined Arsenal, and speculation continues to surround the futures of attackers Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa.
Manager Keith Andrews, newly appointed and tasked with steadying the club, sees Henderson’s arrival as a foundational step.
“When we heard he was available, it was an easy decision,” Andrews said. “Jordan is still incredibly fit and driven. With experienced players like Nørgaard, Flekken, and Ben Mee leaving, bringing in someone with his background was essential.”
What Henderson Brings to Brentford
Andrews praised Henderson’s influence both on and off the pitch, calling him “one of the most influential leaders in modern Premier League history.” His presence is expected to elevate the standards within a relatively young squad that includes the likes of Vitaly Janelt, Mathias Jensen, and Ethan Pinnock.
“He’s done it all—titles, Europe, international tournaments. That professionalism and dedication is exactly what we want at Brentford,” Andrews added.
With Henderson in the fold, the Bees gain not just a player, but a seasoned leader ready to guide the next phase of their evolution.