Brentford have terminated midfielder, Jordan Henderson’s contract as the 36-year-old closes in on a transfer to Chelsea.
Henderson joined the Bees in July 2025 and in his sole season at the club, he produced one goal and three assists in 34 appearances across all competitions, during which Brentford finished ninth in the Premier League just ahead of Chelsea by a single point.
He was also part of the England squad at this summer’s FIFA World Cup where he made a single appearance as a substitute for Elliot Anderson in their final group-stage match win over Panama, before his tournament was ended by a wrist injury celebrating their Round of 16 win against co-hosts Mexico.
Brentford’s Director of Football, Phil Giles explained that the decision to release Henderson to join one of their local rivals was down to a respectful agreement between club and player, who had signed a two-year contract with an option for both parties to terminate this summer.
“The plan we agreed at the time was for Jordan to add his experience to the team and help the club achieve a good Premier League finish. In return, the club committed to helping Jordan get into the England squad for the World Cup while remaining an elite Premier League midfielder. All of those targets were achieved.
“We also agreed that we would sit down after the World Cup and decide what the targets would be for both the club and Jordan in the second year of the contract.
“Following those conversations, it was clear that Jordan’s preference was to try something different in the final years of his playing career. We had always said to him that, should that be the case, we would not stand in his way.
“He therefore leaves after a very successful season, both personally and collectively, with the best wishes and gratitude of myself and everyone at Brentford.”
Henderson meanwhile thanked the club for giving him the chance to return to Premier League football as he thanked owner, Matthew Benham alongside Giles, Technical Director – Lee Dykes and Head Coach, Keith Andrews for entrusting him to become part of the team.
“I leave Brentford with a lot of gratitude for the opportunity the club gave me, and for the support and care shown to me and my family from day one.
“Coming back to the Premier League was really important to me, and Brentford gave me that chance. I’ll always be thankful for that.
“I hope I was able to play my part in helping the team through an important period for the club. We achieved a lot together last season, and it’s something everyone involved should be proud of.
“Brentford is a special football club. It’s ambitious, progressive and full of good people. From the owners and leadership, to the coaching staff, the players and everyone behind the scenes, it’s been a privilege to be part of it.
“Most of all, I’d like to thank the supporters. Their backing never changed, and the connection they have with the club is clear to see. They care deeply about Brentford and they support the team in the right way every step of the journey.
“Finally, thank you to Matt, Phil, Lee and Keith, every member of staff, and all my team-mates. It’s been a pleasure to work alongside you, and I’ll look back on my time at Brentford with a lot of pride and some great memories.”
Andrews added that having lost Christian Norgaard to Arsenal last summer and began last season without Vitaly Janelt due to injury, Henderson “was a really important” player with “elite-level experience” when he joined the club and has made an impressive impact.
“He played a big part in some memorable performances, especially in the early part of the season as we were forming a new team.
“He had an insatiable desire to represent England at the World Cup in the summer and it was always part of the plan for us to discuss the next chapter for him and what it looked like.
“Taking into consideration Jordan’s ambitions and where our squad is currently, we both felt it was the right time for Jordan to pursue his career elsewhere.
“It’s been a pleasure working with Jordan and I sincerely wish him every success.”