Jordan Henderson left Liverpool to join Al-Ettifaq in 2023 but returns to the Premier League two years later
Jordan Henderson.
Jordan Henderson could come up against former club Liverpool after joining Brentford.
(Image: Photo by Rico Brouwer/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson could receive his Anfield farewell after signing a two-year deal with Brentford. The England international departed the Reds in 2023 as he reunited with Reds icon Steven Gerrard at Al-Ettifaq after making the move to the Saudi Pro League.
Henderson's controversial spell in the Gulf came to an end when he made the move to Ajax six months later. However, on Tuesday it was announced that the 35-year-old returned to the Premier League as he joins a host of former Liverpool players in West London.
Due to the former skipper leaving before pre-season began, Henderson never managed to have a farewell in L4 after occupying the armband during the Reds' global dominance under Jurgen Klopp.
But now he is back in England's top-flight, he could come up against his former employers as well as boyhood club Sunderland, following their promotion to the Premier League via the playoffs.
Liverpool visit the Gtech Community Stadium at the end of October, which will be the first time against the Reds since he was a youngster with his boyhood club.
He will be forced to wait until the final game of the season to return to Merseyside which could be a significant occasion for Arne Slot's side, should they successfully defend their Premier League crown.
Henderson endured a difficult time in the Eredivisie after arriving during a torrid period for the Dutch giants.
The England international came under scrutiny in particular during the winter transfer window, when he reportedly came close to leaving the club for AS Monaco.
The controversy surrounding the possible exit saw him stripped of the captain's armband for a match before being involved a heated press conference with reporters.
He returned to the squad and helped steer them towards the top of the title race, however a late-season collapse saw PSV Eindhoven swoop in to claim the Eredivisie crown.
But this week, he mutually terminated his contract in Amsterdam and completed his return to England.
“I’m delighted that I’m here; I’m very excited to get started and get going," Henderson said after his move.
“I’ve always had huge admiration for the club and what they’ve achieved over the last few years, in particular, how they’ve grown as a club.
“I’ve been told how organised and well-run the club is, it’s very family-oriented, which I think is very important.
“When I spoke to Phil Giles, Lee Dykes and Keith, I just had a really good feeling about everything. As soon as I had that conversation, it was clear for me that I wanted to come here and it was an easy decision in the end.
“When I spoke to Keith a few times, he was very good and very honest, and he’s excited to get started as well.
“He was another big reason why I wanted to come and try to help the club keep moving forward."