By John Boston
Brentford have completed the free-transfer signing of Jordan Henderson on a two-year deal after the England midfielder’s Ajax contract was terminated last week.
Keith Andrews moved quickly for the 35-year-old following the departure of captain Christian Norgaard to Arsenal.
The new Bees head coach admitted Henderson’s experience was a key factor in his decision to sign the former Liverpool captain.
He told the club’s website: “When we became aware of Jordan’s availability, it was a pretty simple decision.”
“We did our due diligence around his recent games to see where he is. He’s still phenomenally fit and he’s still phenomenally motivated to achieve things in the game, having already achieved a lot.”
“With the void of experienced players leaving the building – Christian Norgaard, Mark Flekken and Ben Mee – it was important to replace that.”
Henderson ‘an influential leader’
Andrews added: “What Jordan will bring is that he has been one of the most influential leaders in modern Premier League years. He’s been at the forefront of driving for titles and Champions Leagues at a fantastic football club.”
“He also has experience at international level with England and, with that, comes a level of experience, professionalism and dedication to his profession – that’s the exact way we want to be as a football club.”
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Henderson sets sights on 2026 World Cup
Henderson enjoyed a trophy-laden 12 years at Anfield before he made the controversial decision to join Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq in 2023 – a move which proved to be particularly controversial among Liverpool fans, given his previous outspoken support of the LGBTQ community.
His time in the Middle East failed to work out, however, and Henderson headed back to Europe in January last year, playing 57 times for Dutch giants Ajax.
But following his return to Thomas Tuchel’s England squad this year, Henderson has decided that regular Premier League football will give him the best chance of being involved in the German’s plans for the 2026 World Cup.
Henderson’s arrival at Brentford continues a busy summer of transfer activity for Andrews.
He has already signed Henderson’s former Liverpool team-mate Caoimhin Kelleher and midfielder Antoni Milambo from Feyenoord, as well as completing a permanent move for former loanee Michael Kayode.
But the Brentford boss may have to contend with the departure of Bryan Mbeumo with Manchester United still keen on a £62.5 million move for the Cameroon winger.
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