Jordan Henderson is set to make a return to the Premier League, two years after leaving Liverpool to join the Saudi Pro League. David Ornstein revealed on Friday morning that the 35-year-old midfielder has agreed to a two-year deal with Brentford, marking the end of his brief stint with Ajax.
A New Chapter for Henderson
Henderson’s journey back to the Premier League comes after a challenging period abroad. After spending 12 illustrious years at Liverpool, where he lifted the Premier League, Champions League, and multiple other trophies, Henderson made a controversial move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq in 2023. His time in Saudi Arabia was short-lived, and he joined Ajax in January 2024, seeking to reignite his career in Europe. However, after terminating his contract with the Dutch club earlier this month, Henderson became a free agent, sparking widespread speculation about his next destination.
🚨 BREAKING: Jordan Henderson to join Brentford on 2yr deal. 35yo free agent after leaving Ajax - prioritised PL return & #BrentfordFC won race. Medical / paperwork over weekend - announcement next week out of respect to Diogo Jota + family @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/a5VwPttnDz
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) July 11, 2025
Why Brentford?
Brentford’s acquisition of Henderson is a coup for the West London club, known for their shrewd recruitment strategy and ability to compete with the Premier League’s elite despite their modest resources. The Bees have a history of signing former Liverpool players, with Fabio Carvalho, Sepp van den Berg, and goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher all joining from Anfield in the past year. Henderson’s arrival will reunite him with these former teammates, adding experience and leadership to a squad brimming with young talent.
Under new head coach Keith Andrews, who replaced Thomas Frank after the latter’s move to Tottenham, Brentford are looking to build on their solid Premier League campaigns. Henderson’s role will likely involve anchoring the midfield alongside players like Vitaly Janelt or Yehor Yarmoliuk, providing defensive stability while supplying creative force Mikkel Damsgaard with the ball. His work rate, professionalism, and ability to organize the midfield make him an ideal fit to replace Christian Norgaard, who left to join Arsenal.
Looking Ahead
As Brentford prepare to unveil Henderson, their fans will be watching closely. Can the veteran midfielder defy his age and make a significant impact in the Premier League? Will his signing help Brentford maintain their upward trajectory despite interest in their key players?
