Jordan Henderson is set to sign for Brentford after his early release from Ajax.
The 35-year old former Liverpool midfielder is a free agent and will add vital experience after Brentford lost their captain and first-choice defensive-midfielder Christian Norgaard to Arsenal this week.
Henderson has agreed a two year contract and his move will be confirmed next week.
Henderson’s contract with the Dutch giants was terminated a year early after bringing an end to his stint in Saudi Arabia, after 57 appearances and being named as captain in Amsterdam.
In a statement, Ajax said: ‘Jordan Henderson is leaving Ajax. The club has cooperated with the player’s request to terminate the current employment contract.
‘The Englishman’s contract with Ajax ran until June 30, 2026, but now ends immediately.’
Jordan Henderson has agreed a surprise move to the Premier League with Brentford
The 35-year-old will be desperate to make sure he is in England’s squad for the World Cup
Henderson enjoyed a trophy-laden 12 years in the Premier League with former club Liverpool
Reports have claimed that the player will undergo a medical and paperwork will be completed over the weekend.
The Bees have won the race to bring Henderson back to the Premier League, despite interest in his services from across Europe.
Brentford face a huge rebuilding period this summer, having already lost their captain and manager after Thomas Frank also moved to north London, joining Norgaard’s new arch-rivals Tottenham to replace Ange Postecoglou.
Similarly, they could also lose star man Bryan Mbeumo, who has twice been the subject of hefty bids by Manchester United.
Frank has been replaced by Keith Andrews, who will be keen to add a player with the experience of Henderson into his dressing-room.
An announcement will be made officially at a later date by the club out of respect for the late Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, who tragically lost his life in a car accident earlier this month.
Henderson’s return comes almost two years to the day since his high-profile move to Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia, having brought an end to his trophy-laden 12-year stay at Liverpool.
With the Reds, the former Sunderland midfielder lifted a Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, Club World Cup, European Super Cup and two Carabao Cups, as well as the Community Shield.
He will join Keith Andrews’ side amid a huge rebuilding project this summer at Brentford
Henderson offered only a brief statement after leaving Ajax out of respect for Diogo Jota (Henderson pictured here at Anfield laying flowers for his late former team-mate)
The midfielder was among the Liverpool players past and present to attend Jota’s funeral
He has already earned his way back into the England fold under new boss Thomas Tuchel
Henderson paid tribute to former club Ajax after announcing his departure and reflected on his 18 months in Amsterdam.
‘I would like to express my immense gratitude to everyone associated with Ajax for giving me the opportunity to represent this incredible institution over the past few years,’ Henderson said.
‘To play for this club was an honour in itself. To have the privilege of captaining it was even more so.
‘My only regret is that we didn’t deliver more success for the amazing supporters. They deserve to be celebrating major titles again, and I’m sure that time will come soon.’
Henderson continued: ‘Due to the tragic events of last week, and the devastating loss of my former team-mate Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, it doesn’t feel right at this moment to say or do more than share this brief statement.
‘However, I am fully aware that I owe this club, my team-mates, and the supporters a fuller and more personal thank you. I will, of course, do that when the time feels more appropriate.
‘For now, I want to express my appreciation to Ajax once again, as well as everyone I haven’t had the chance to speak to in person yesterday, all of you who make this club so special.’
