Jordan Henderson makes decision on joining Chelsea after Liverpool comments resurface

Jordan Henderson's past comments on Liverpool have emerged after he was shockingly linked with a move to Chelsea.

On Monday, David Ornstein broke the news that Xabi Alonso wanted to sign Henderson from Brentford shortly after the Blues held 'positive talks' with Brighton about a deal for Danny Welbeck.

Brentford are willing to grant the Englishman a free transfer, given the positive relationship between the player and the club. He has a year left on the two-year contract he signed last summer.

Henderson, 36, made 34 appearances in all competitions for Keith Andrews' side last term, utilising his experience and leadership skills to help them record a ninth-place finish in the Premier League.

The former Liverpool captain was named in England's World Cup squad this summer, with Thomas Tuchel citing the above attributes as key for the Three Lions.

He broke his wrist after falling over the advertising boards following England's 3-2 win over Mexico in the last 16, but returned to make the squad for the quarter-finals against Norway.

Henderson left Liverpool in 2023 after making almost 500 appearances for the club, and famously lifting the Premier League title as captain in 2020.

The veteran also played a vital role in a side that won the Champions League in 2019, firmly establishing himself as a legend at Anfield.

The Premier League stalwart did struggle after leaving Merseyside three years ago, spending just six months with Al-Ettifaq before joining Ajax.

A return to England's top flight with Brentford has since resurrected the twilight years of his career, but a move to Chelsea could risk tarnishing his Liverpool legacy.

Jordan Henderson's comments on Liverpool after departing in 2023

Following an incredible 12-year stint at the Reds, Henderson penned an emotional message, marking the end of his journey on Merseyside.

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"It's hard to put these last 12 years into words and it's even harder to say goodbye. I will always be a Red. Until the day I die," the Englishman wrote on social media at the time.

"Thank you for everything. You'll never walk alone. Jordan."

It's a message that rang true, but many will surely feel that a former captain would never make a move to a direct rival like Chelsea.

At the same time, it's clear to see why Henderson would be interested in exploring a switch to Stamford Bridge, having previously earned praise from Alonso in 2019.

"I think he's so respected, so important for his team-mates - that's the sense I get from watching in the stands," the Spaniard said.

"For the way they play, it's very important, the energy he has."

Henderson's experience of playing and winning at the highest level is vital for a young squad like Chelsea, who have certainly missed top-class leadership qualities since Thiago Silva exited the club in 2024.

A transfer for the 36-year-old, as well as adding Welbeck to the mix, could prove essential in Alonso's dressing room as the Blues aim to qualify for Europe in 2026/27.

If he does join Chelsea this summer, it will be interesting to see what sort of reception he receives from Liverpool fans when the two lock horns.