Chelsea have completed the signing of experienced midfielder Jordan Henderson on a two-year contract following his departure from Brentford, the Premier League club announced on Monday.
The 36-year-old joins the Blues on a free transfer after making 34 appearances for Brentford last season, a campaign that earned him a place in England’s World Cup squad.
Speaking after sealing the move, Henderson expressed his excitement about joining the west London club.
“Given the size of the club, the manager, who I have great admiration for, and the quality of the players, this was a huge opportunity I couldn’t turn down,” Henderson said.
“I was also so impressed with how much the ownership want Chelsea to be successful and move in the right direction.”
Henderson began his professional career at Sunderland before joining Liverpool in 2011. During his 12-year spell at Anfield, he made 492 appearances across all competitions and captained the Reds to their first Premier League title in 2020.
He left Liverpool for Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq in 2023 but departed after just six months to join Dutch giants Ajax. Henderson moved to Brentford last year before securing his latest switch to Chelsea.
The midfielder featured for only six minutes at this year’s World Cup after suffering a broken arm in a post-match accident following England’s round-of-16 victory over Mexico.
Henderson becomes new Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso’s second English signing of the summer transfer window after the club’s record acquisition of midfielder Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa.
Chelsea, who finished 10th in the Premier League last season, will kick off their new campaign with a London derby against Fulham on August 24.
