Henderson’s Shock Move
Jordan Henderson, 35, is poised to return to the Premier League with Brentford, signing a two-year contract as a free agent after parting ways with Ajax on July 9, 2025. The deal, set to be finalized over the weekend of July 12-13, follows Brentford’s loss of captain Christian Norgaard to Arsenal (£10m) and head coach Thomas Frank to Tottenham. New manager Keith Andrews, appointed July 10, sees Henderson’s 84 England caps and Champions League pedigree (2019 with Liverpool) as vital for squad leadership and stability ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Henderson vs. Norgaard: Stats Comparison
Henderson, who played 32 Eredivisie games for Ajax in 2024/25, mirrors Norgaard’s defensive-midfield role, per last season’s stats:
- Heat Maps: Both players operated centrally, anchoring the midfield with disciplined positioning (85% time in central third).
- Defensive Actions: Norgaard led with 2.3 tackles and 5.8 ball recoveries per game, compared to Henderson’s 1.9 tackles and 4.2 recoveries. Norgaard also won 5.1 duels per game, edging Henderson’s 4.8.
- Passing: Henderson excelled with 88% pass accuracy (vs. Norgaard’s 85%) and 2.1 final-third passes per game (vs. 1.8), creating 1.6 chances per match compared to Norgaard’s 1.2.
- Goal Threat: Norgaard scored 3 goals and 2 assists, while Henderson managed 1 goal and 4 assists, showing less direct attacking impact but greater creativity.
Henderson’s experience (508 Liverpool appearances, 7 major trophies) outweighs Norgaard’s, making him a like-for-like replacement with added leadership.
Brentford’s Context
Brentford, finishing 14th in 2024/25, face a transitional season after losing Norgaard and Frank. Andrews, previously assistant at Sheffield United, plans a 4-2-3-1 system, with Henderson slotting alongside Vitaly Janelt (1.8 interceptions per game). The Bees rejected Manchester United’s £62.5m bid for Bryan Mbeumo, retaining their star winger (9 goals, 6 assists), but sold Ivan Toney to Al-Hilal for £40m. Henderson’s signing, at £80,000-a-week, aims to stabilize the dressing room, with young prospects like Fabio Carvalho (on loan from Liverpool) benefiting from his mentorship.
Henderson’s Journey
Henderson left Liverpool in 2023 after 12 years, joining Al-Ettifaq (£12m) before moving to Ajax in January 2024, where he struggled with a calf injury (missed 8 games). His 2.1 key passes and 88% pass accuracy in 2024/25 highlight his enduring quality, though fans on X question his stamina at 35, citing his “legs are gone” in Ajax’s Europa League exit. Others praise his “clutch” mentality, expecting him to anchor Brentford’s midfield against top sides like Arsenal in their opener on August 15, 2025.
Next Steps
Henderson’s medical is set for July 13, with an announcement expected by July 14. He’ll join Brentford’s pre-season camp in Portugal, potentially debuting in a friendly against Bournemouth on July 20. Andrews aims to pair Henderson with Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa to target a top-10 finish, with interest in Leicester’s Wilfred Ndidi as a backup. The Bees’ Community Shield clash with Crystal Palace on August 10 offers an early test, while fans on X see Henderson’s signing as a “statement” to replace Norgaard’s leadership. Liverpool’s mourning of Diogo Jota adds emotional weight, with Henderson likely to honor his former teammate at Anfield’s opener.
