Henderson leaves Brentford | OneFootball

Jordan Henderson has left Brentford after a mutual agreement was reached to terminate his contract.

The 36-year-old joined the Bees on a free transfer from Ajax in July 2025 and made 34 appearances in all competitions during the 2025/26 campaign.

Henderson said: “I leave Brentford with a lot of gratitude for the opportunity the club gave me, and for the support and care shown to me and my family from day one.

“Coming back to the Premier League was really important to me, and Brentford gave me that chance. I’ll always be thankful for that.

“I hope I was able to play my part in helping the team through an important period for the club. We achieved a lot together last season, and it’s something everyone involved should be proud of.

“Brentford is a special football club. It’s ambitious, progressive and full of good people. From the owners and leadership, to the coaching staff, the players and everyone behind the scenes, it’s been a privilege to be part of it.

“Most of all, I’d like to thank the supporters. Their backing never changed, and the connection they have with the club is clear to see. They care deeply about Brentford and they support the team in the right way every step of the journey.

“Finally, thank you to Matt, Phil, Lee and Keith, every member of staff, and all my team-mates. It’s been a pleasure to work alongside you, and I’ll look back on my time at Brentford with a lot of pride and some great memories.”

Henderson made his Brentford debut against Nottingham Forest on the opening day of the Premier League season, before making his first start in a 1-0 victory over Aston Villa at Gtech Community Stadium the following week.

He was named Brentford’s Player of the Month for September after starting all three of the Bees’ Premier League games and registering assists against Chelsea and Manchester United.

Henderson’s first and only goal for the club came in December’s 1-1 draw with Leeds United, when he converted from Rico Henry’s cross to give the Bees the lead at the Gtech.

The midfielder returned from injury during the closing weeks of the campaign and started against former club Liverpool on the final day, as a 1-1 draw at Anfield secured a ninth-place Premier League finish for the Bees.

Henderson was also named in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

He made history during the tournament when he became the first England men’s player to feature at seven major tournaments, as the Three Lions finished third in North America.

Brentford director of football Phil Giles said: “Jordan signed for us last summer on a two-year deal.

“The plan we agreed at the time was for Jordan to add his experience to the team and help the club achieve a good Premier League finish. In return, the club committed to helping Jordan get into the England squad for the World Cup while remaining an elite Premier League midfielder. All of those targets were achieved.

“We also agreed that we would sit down after the World Cup and decide what the targets would be for both the club and Jordan in the second year of the contract.

“Following those conversations, it was clear that Jordan’s preference was to try something different in the final years of his playing career. We had always said to him that, should that be the case, we would not stand in his way.

“He therefore leaves after a very successful season, both personally and collectively, with the best wishes and gratitude of myself and everyone at Brentford."

Brentford head coach Keith Andrews added: “Following the departure of our club captain Christian Nørgaard to Arsenal, and with Vitaly Janelt not fit enough to start the season, Jordan was a really important signing for us because he added elite-level experience.

“He played a big part in some memorable performances, especially in the early part of the season as we were forming a new team.

“He had an insatiable desire to represent England at the World Cup in the summer and it was always part of the plan for us to discuss the next chapter for him and what it looked like.

“Taking into consideration Jordan’s ambitions and where our squad is currently, we both felt it was the right time for Jordan to pursue his career elsewhere.

“It’s been a pleasure working with Jordan and I sincerely wish him every success.”

Henderson began his career with boyhood club Sunderland before joining Liverpool in 2011, where he made 492 appearances and scored 33 goals.

He replaced Steven Gerrard as Liverpool captain in 2015 and went on to lift six major trophies as skipper, including the Champions League and Premier League.

After leaving Liverpool in 2023, Henderson had spells with Al-Ettifaq and Ajax before returning to the Premier League with Brentford.

He made his senior England debut in 2010 and has represented the Three Lions at four World Cups and three European Championships. He was named England Men’s Player of the Year in 2019.

Henderson was appointed an MBE in the 2021 Birthday Honours for services to football and charity.

Everyone at Brentford would like to thank Jordan for his contribution during his time with the club and wish him well for the future.