On July 15, 2025, Brentford F.C. made headlines by officially signing Jordan Henderson, the former captain of Liverpool and a celebrated figure in England’s football scene, on a two-year contract. This signing comes after Henderson’s recent stint at Ajax post-termination of his contract with the Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq, where he was managed by former Liverpool teammate Steven Gerrard. Henderson, who turned 35, now brings with him an impressive legacy from his 12 years at Liverpool—a period that saw him earn several trophies including the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup, amongst others.
Henderson’s departure from Al-Ettifaq in July 2023 became a pivotal moment in his career. After only six months, he moved to Ajax but had his contract cut short following the Dutch club’s inability to clinch the league title during the previous season. Reports suggest that financial strains faced by Ajax played a significant role in his early contract termination.
Interestingly, during his time at Ajax, Henderson faced challenges that sparked controversy. Last winter, he played in a Europa League match where his refusal to captain the team or partake in goal celebrations raised eyebrows. Additionally, a later exchange with Dutch journalist Mike Verweij about his rumored move to Monaco intensified speculation regarding his time at Ajax, eventually leading to limited appearances on the field. Despite these issues, Henderson managed to contribute meaningfully, starting 30 league matches and ranking high in vital statistics amongst his teammates, indicating his ongoing relevance in top football despite the challenges.
Brentford’s manager, Keith Andrews, expressed enthusiasm about the new addition to his squad. He highlighted Henderson’s past as one of the most influential leaders in modern Premier League history. Andrews believes that Henderson will not only maintain high standards within the team but also fill the void left by the recent departures of key players like Christian Norgaard and Ben Mee. Henderson’s wealth of experience, combined with his fitness and motivation, makes him an exciting prospect for Brentford as they seek to build a competitive squad.
Henderson’s inclusion in the English national squad under manager Thomas Tuchel further emphasizes his readiness to contribute to Brentford’s ambitions. After a hiatus from international duty post-November 2023, he was recalled, bringing his total England caps to 84 alongside experience from three World Cups and three European Championships. His contributions on and off the pitch are expected to be significant as Brentford aims to improve their league performance in the forthcoming season.
While looking ahead, Henderson will be stepping into considerable shoes, particularly in regaining the synergy and dynamism that Norgaard brought to the midfield. His previous records for interceptions and recovery captures show that he has the capability to inject energy and leadership into the team. Moreover, as per Brentford statistics, Henderson had excelled in creating chances during his last season in the Eredivisie, making him a potentially pivotal player for the newly rebuilt squad.
The move to Brentford represents not merely a fresh chapter for Henderson but also a strategic acquisition for the club as they continue to evolve within the Premier League landscape. As fans eagerly anticipate his debut, the club is set to benefit from his leadership qualities and extensive experience in top-flight football. This addition highlights Brentford’s commitment to enhancing their roster with proven talents who possess the capability to contribute to both team culture and performance on the pitch, reflecting their aspirations for the upcoming season.
