Jordan Henderson leaves Brentford as Chelsea move nears, with Danny Welbeck in line for switch | OneFootball

Former Sunderland midfielder Jordan Henderson has left Brentford after his contract was mutually terminated, and is closing in on a move to Chelsea as new head coach Xabi Alonso seeks experience before the new season.

According to Sunderland Echo, Alonso has already failed with a bid to prise Granit Xhaka away from Wearside this summer, and has now turned to Henderson, who only joined the Bees last year.

The termination was announced on Wednesday, clearing the path to Stamford Bridge.

In a farewell message, Henderson thanked Keith Andrews’ side for the chance to return to the Premier League, praised the club’s ambition and people, and said the team achieved a lot last season. He expressed gratitude to supporters for unwavering backing, added that he leaves with pride and fond memories, and thanked Matt Benham, Phil Giles, Lee Dykes, Keith and his team-mates.

Another ex-Sunderland talent, Danny Welbeck, is reportedly close to joining Chelsea from Brighton. He is said to have agreed personal terms on a two-year deal, with a medical planned and a fee in place but undisclosed.

Since arriving at Brighton in 2020, Welbeck has scored 51 goals and supplied 18 assists in 201 appearances in all competitions, including 13 in 37 Premier League outings last season. He is Albion’s all-time leading Premier League scorer.

Source: Sunderland Echo