Photo by Jared C. Tilton - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Photo by Jared C. Tilton - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Chelsea have announced the tenth signing of the summer window, and the fifth since Xabi Alonso was hired as manager. Jordan Henderson has finally put pen to paper on a two-year deal.
It has been common knowledge for about a week that Henderson, 36, would leave Brentford a year into his two-year deal at the G-Tech. The decision left Brentford supporters annoyed on social media.
Chelsea want to sign Jordan Henderson graphic
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Hardly surprising, given Henderson had enjoyed a brilliant year with Keith Andrews’ side. Initial picks for relegation, Brentford finished in the top half of the Premier League table, even above his new side.
Henderson’s confirmation sees Chelsea announce a third signing in the space of four days after Danny Welbeck and Valentin Barco also arrived. It sees BlueCo announce their oldest-ever signing in Henderson.
Morgan Rogers and Jude Bellingham among those to react
It is a surprising move. Not least because of his age – Henderson is Chelsea’s fourth-oldest signing in the club’s history – but because of his past. The former Liverpool captain’s move has caused some anger.
Chelsea Unveil New Signing Jordan Henderson
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC
Nonetheless, Henderson joins Maxence Lacroix, Morgan Rogers, Marco Palestra and Danny Welbeck in joining the club since Alonso arrived. Chelsea have also announced five pre-arranged deals so far.
They include Valentin Barco, Emmanuel Emegha and Geovany Quenda. Henderson posted on Instagram: “Ready To Go. Delighted to join & can’t wait to get started. Look forward to seeing you all soon!”
Plenty were among the replies, including his England World Cup teammates like Anthony Gordon and Djed Spence. Chelsea star Rogers said “let’s goooo”, while Jude Bellingham posted some clapping emojis.
Albania v England - FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier
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What next for Chelsea in the window, after Henderson’s arrival?
Chelsea are not done, just yet. Reports say Pep Chavarria is in London ahead of completing a £21.3m move to Stamford Bridge from Rayo Vallecano. It comes after a breakthrough in talks over the weekend.
Then, reports from Portugal say Chelsea are in ‘advanced talks’ to sign Porto star Diogo Costa. Portugal’s no.1 has a release clause in his recently signed Porto contract worth £55m, which they are likely charging.
But the biggest priority, aside from Chavarria and Costa, will be selling players. Como have agreed a £30.8m package to sign Trevoh Chalobah, and as many as 15 senior Chelsea players could join him.
They include the likes of Benoit Badiashile, Liam Delap and Romeo Lavia ahead of Chelsea’s opener against Fulham three weeks from now. Currently, the Blues squad and Alonso are in Hong Kong.