Henderson confirms Brentford exit as Chelsea agree double signing

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Suraj Radia | Editor

Jordan Henderson has taken a massive step towards signing for Chelsea after Brentford confirmed the midfielder’s departure on a free transfer.

Henderson has emerged as a shock target for Chelsea in recent days, with the 36-year-old’s experience being seen as invaluable for Xabi Alonso, particularly after seeing Sunderland reject an approach for Granit Xhaka.

Brentford have announced that Henderson has left the club despite having one year remaining on the contract he signed last summer, with director of football Phil Giles admitting the 36-year-old was in pursuit of a new challenge.

“The plan we agreed [last summer] was for Jordan to add his experience to the team and help the club achieve a good Premier League finish,” Giles wrote on Brentford’s website.

“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."

Chelsea set to wrap up double deal with official confirmation pending over Henderson and Welbeck

Although Chelsea have not formally revealed Henderson’s signing yet, the move has been confirmed by Fabrizio Romano and an official announcement is expected to be made imminently.

Henderson will be joined by Danny Welbeck, who is set to sign from Brighton to provide similar experience up front, although Chelsea will likely have to pay a fee for the 35-year-old.

Both players have agreed contracts with Chelsea already and will link up with Alonso’s squad for their pre-season tour of Hong Kong once the deals have been formalised.

Welbeck’s arrival in particular will allow Chelsea to accelerate the departure of another striker, with interest intensifying in Liam Delap, while offers will be listened to for Nicolas Jackson and new signing Emmanuel Emegha.