Jordan Henderson is a target for multiple Premier League clubs, with Brentford willing to let him go on a free transfer, and Chelsea are understood to be leading the race for his services
Brentford's English midfielder #06 Jordan Henderson waves to fans after the English Premier League football match between Brentford and Crystal Palace at the Gtech Community Stadium in London on May 17, 2026. (Photo by Adrian Dennis/AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications.
Brentford's English midfielder #06 Jordan Henderson waves to fans after the English Premier League football match between Brentford and Crystal Palace at the Gtech Community Stadium in London on May 17, 2026. (Photo by Adrian Dennis/AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications.
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Chelsea are working on a surprise move for Jordan Henderson, sitting first in the queue of Premier League clubs who are interested in signing him. Henderson, 36, has an agreement which will him to leave Brentford on a free transfer, despite having one year left on his contract.
The midfielder is currently injured after breaking his arm during England's celebrations following their last-16 win against Mexico at the World Cup. Henderson stayed in North America for the rest of the tournament, remaining a key figure within the dressing room.
His leadership and experience are part of why Xabi Alonso wants to bring him to Stamford Bridge. The Athletic report that Chelsea are the leading contenders for the former Liverpool captain's signature.
It's added that multiple Premier League clubs also want to sign him. Chelsea's interest comes after they opened talks with Brighton to sign 35-year-old Danny Welbeck, further proof of their change of transfer policy since Alonso was appointed.
Last month, the Blues bid £8m for Granit Xhaka after the Sunderland captain signalled that he'd be willing reunite with Alonso, who he played under at Bayer Leverkusen. Sunderland flatly rejected the offer and Xhaka will stay.
Henderson is seen as alternative, with Alonso wanting an experienced head in midfield, while he also gets on well with Chelsea's new £117million signing, Morgan Rogers. The England international only joined Brentford a year ago from Ajax, previously playing for Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq having left Liverpool in July 2023.
But his impact off the pitch is valued, too. After beating France 6-4 in the World Cup third-place play-off, England boss Thomas Tuchel revealed that the 35-year-old had given a powerful speech pre-match speech which motivated his team-mates.
"Jordan Henderson gave a very impressive speech today in the hotel to put this in the right frame and put everyone in the right mindset," Tuchel explained. "So he helped unbelievably today.
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JULY 11: Jordan Henderson #14 of England warms up whilst wearing a cast on his arm before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match between Norway and England at Miami Stadium on July 11, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
Jordan Henderson stayed with the England squad, despite breaking his arm(Image: Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
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"That was very emotional and very, very impressive to put this game into perspective. I won't say what he said, but it puts into it perspective because he was part of this match eight years ago.
"It was very emotional and he put into perspective what you might feel in the very moment, that you might give in to the feeling 'I don't want to be here'. He took all of that away because he said that it means the world in the end, and he would give anything if he hadn't broken his arm to be part again in this match.
"You never know when you get a World Cup match for England. He said it much, much better than me and more emotional, and it was very impressive. He set the tone and the mindset for this match."