Saudi resident, Henderson, expresses desire for departure.
Jordan Henderson, the English midfielder who left Liverpool for Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia last summer, has completed a move back to the Premier League. After attracting interest from several European clubs during the winter transfer window, Henderson has signed a two-year contract with Brentford.
Henderson's decision to return to England was driven by his ambition to maintain his prospects for the England World Cup squad. Brentford view him as a vital experienced leader to fill the gap left by departing players and help stabilise their squad through a season of significant changes. Despite reports linking him to Sunderland and Porto, Henderson chose Brentford as his next club.
The move back to the Premier League comes after a difficult period for Henderson at Al-Ittihad. The midfielder has been struggling to adapt to life in Saudi Arabia, frustrated by the team's poor results and the pressure on head coach Steven Gerrard. Henderson's desire to leave Al-Ittihad and return to a strong European league remains unchanged.
Henderson's determination to leave Al-Ittihad is evident in his willingness to accept significant wage cuts and pay taxes of around £7 million. This is a stark contrast to his reported salary at Al-Ittihad, which is four times higher than what he earned at Liverpool.
Before his move to Al-Ittihad, Henderson provided 5 assists during his time at the club. He also played 19 matches across various tournaments for the Saudi club. Despite his contributions, Henderson's primary goal is to return to the Premier League or another strong European league to increase his chances of playing for the national team at Euro 2024.
As of July 2025, Al-Ittihad is currently placed 8th in the league table. Henderson's departure comes as a significant blow to the club, but his ambition and dedication to his career are clear. With his return to the Premier League, Henderson is set to continue his journey towards Euro 2024 and potentially a place in the England World Cup squad.
[1] BBC Sport. (2025, July 1). Jordan Henderson signs for Brentford. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/58985519
[2] Sky Sports. (2025, July 1). Jordan Henderson completes Brentford move. [online] Available at: https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11667/12274166/jordan-henderson-completes-brentford-move
[3] The Guardian. (2025, July 1). Jordan Henderson joins Brentford on free transfer from Al-Ittihad. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/jul/01/jordan-henderson-joins-brentford-on-free-transfer-from-al-ittihad
Henderson's return to the Premier League, after a brief stint in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ittihad, indicates his determination to play in a strong European league, such as the English leagues or the Premier League, to enhance his prospects for the England World Cup squad. With Henderson's signing, Brentford hopes to strengthen their squad, leveraging his experience as a midfielder and influential leader.
