Former Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson looks set to make a stunning return to the Premier League after it was announced he is set to join Brentford on a two-year deal
Liverpool will come up against a familiar face next season, as former captain Jordan Henderson is set to sign a two-year deal with Brentford.
The 35-year-old, who left Liverpool in 2023 for a short stint in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Ettifaq, most recently played for Ajax. He joined the Dutch side in January 2024 but has now opted not to extend his stay, leaving as a free agent.
While there were rumours linking him with a romantic return to Sunderland—his boyhood club—it’s Brentford who have won the race. According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Henderson prioritised a return to the Premier League, and Brentford offered him the right opportunity.
The official announcement is expected next week out of respect for Diogo Jota, Henderson’s former teammate at Liverpool, who tragically passed away in a recent car accident.
Ornstein wrote on X: “Jordan Henderson to join Brentford on 2-year deal. 35-year-old free agent after leaving Ajax — prioritised Premier League return & Brentford won the race. Medical and paperwork over the weekend — announcement next week out of respect to Diogo Jota and his family.”
Henderson reportedly had other options across Europe but was determined to return to England. At Brentford, he’s seen as the direct replacement for Christian Norgaard, who recently moved to Arsenal.
He’ll also be linking back up with familiar faces from Liverpool—Caoimhin Kelleher, who joined the Bees earlier this summer, along with Sepp van den Berg and Fabio Carvalho.
With manager Thomas Frank having left for Tottenham, Brentford’s new boss Keith Andrews will be counting on Henderson’s leadership and experience to help steer the club through a transitional period and maintain Premier League stability.
Reflecting on his time at Ajax, Henderson shared a heartfelt message:
“I would like to express my immense gratitude to everyone associated with Ajax. To play for this club was an honour in itself. To have the privilege of captaining it was even more so. My only regret is that we didn’t deliver more success for the amazing supporters.”
He added that he still owes the club, his teammates, and the fans a more personal thank-you and plans to do so when the time is right.
For now, his focus shifts back to the Premier League—and a fresh challenge with Brentford.