Jordan Henderson has joined Chelsea on a free transfer after his contract with Brentford was mutually terminated.
The 36-year-old has become Xabi Alonso's 10th summer signing, penning a two-year contract.
Jordan Henderson becomes latest player to join Chelsea
Henderson joins Chelsea off the back of a successful season with Brentford.
The England international was pivotal in the Bees' campaign which saw the team finish in the Premier League's top half.
Despite his age, the former Liverpool captain featured in 34 matches in all competitions and was directly involved in four goals.
His impressive form, which may have surprised some following a disappointing 2024-25 season with Ajax, Henderson earned himself a place in Thomas Tuchel's final 26-man England squad for this summer's World Cup.
Although the midfielder injured himself during the Three Lions' celebrations following their 3-2 win over Mexico and was effectively ruled out for the remainder of the tournament, his inclusion was testament to his experience and leadership skills.
And after Alonso narrowly missed out on signing Granit Xhaka — a player he's managed before — from Sunderland, the new Chelsea manager wasted no time in recruiting Henderson for those very reasons.
Henderson reveals Alonso's influence
Speaking about the 44-year-old's influence on his decision to come to Stamford Bridge, Henderson revealed his 'huge admiration' for the former Real Madrid man.
"We had a very good chat," Henderson told Chelsea's official website.
‘"I had huge admiration for Xabi as a player, and now I have huge admiration for him as a manager. What he’s done over the last few years has been pretty special.
‘"Everyone that I know that has either worked with him or played with him has said very good things. Not one person had a bad thing to say about him. That speaks for him very highly.
‘Then when I spoke to him, I got a very good feeling that it would be an honour to come and play under him."
Henderson is unlikely to play week in, week out, but that's not why he's been signed. Similarly to the reasons Tuchel wanted him in England's World Cup camp, the 36-year-old will be expected to inject calmness and togetherness within the squad's dynamic.
Alonso knows how important his first season in charge is going to be. He needs players like Henderson around him and the rest of the squad.
The Blues have a lot of young and impressionable players. Henderson's experience and influence should rub off on the lesser experienced ones.
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