Jordan Henderson's career has taken another unexpected turn, with the 35-year-old midfielder now plying his trade for Brentford in the Premier League. This move marks the latest chapter in a journey filled with triumphs, controversies, and a constant need to prove himself. After a decorated 12-year stint with Liverpool, a brief and contentious sojourn to Saudi Arabia, and a spell with Ajax in the Netherlands, Henderson is back on familiar soil, aiming to revitalize his career and potentially extend his international career with England.
Henderson's departure from Liverpool in the summer of 2023 was a move that he has described as feeling like a "break-up". After winning every major trophy with the Reds, including the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and League Cup, Henderson's exit was driven by a combination of factors. He has admitted that conversations with Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp led him to believe his playing time would be reduced, with new midfielders arriving at Anfield. "There were a few things that sent alarm bells ringing," Henderson explained, "It put me in a position where I knew that I wasn't going to be playing as much". This realization, coupled with an approach from Al-Ettifaq, prompted him to seek a new challenge.
The move to Saudi Arabia was met with considerable criticism, given Henderson's previous vocal support for LGBTQ+ rights, which stand in stark contrast to the Kingdom's laws. After just six months, Henderson terminated his contract with Al-Ettifaq and moved to Ajax in January 2024. Although fans appreciated his efforts, some observers felt that he didn't quite reach expectations during his time with Ajax. In 37 appearances for the Dutch club, Henderson provided leadership and experience, contributing to a passing success rate of 87.2%. However, Ajax's title challenge faltered, and Henderson faced scrutiny for his performances.
Now, Henderson finds himself at Brentford, a club known for its shrewd recruitment and ability to challenge the established order in the Premier League. The move came about after Brentford lost Christian Norgaard to Arsenal and head coach Thomas Frank departed for Tottenham, leading to Keith Andrews' appointment as the new Bees boss. Andrews identified Henderson as the ideal replacement, citing his "phenomenal fitness" and "motivation to achieve things in the game". The Brentford manager also highlighted Henderson's leadership qualities and experience of winning titles and competing in the Champions League.
Henderson's return to the Premier League has been welcomed by England manager Thomas Tuchel, who recalled him to the national squad. Despite missing out on the Euros, Henderson still hopes to represent England at next summer's World Cup.
While it is unlikely that Henderson will be a guaranteed starter for Brentford, his experience and leadership will be invaluable to the team. At club level, in the seven Premier League appearances he has made for Brentford so far, Henderson has completed 78% of his passes. His presence in the squad has already been felt, with some describing him as "rehabilitated" and "renascent". Henderson himself acknowledges the tough moments he has faced in recent years but believes they have helped him learn and grow. He is using the doubts and criticisms as fuel to prove himself once again.
As Jordan Henderson embarks on this new chapter with Brentford, he carries with him a wealth of experience, a burning desire to compete, and a point to prove. Whether he can recapture his best form and lead Brentford to success remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Jordan Henderson is not one to back down from a challenge.
