Chelsea launch surprise move to sign England World Cup star on free transfer

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso (Picture: EPA)

Chelsea are working on a surprise move to sign Brentford and England midfielder Jordan Henderson on a free transfer, according to reports.

Multiple Premier League clubs are said to be interested in completing a deal for Henderson, who made 32 league appearances for Brentford last season.

But widespread reports indicate that Chelsea are leading the way to sign the 36-year-old as they look to add much-needed experience to Xabi Alonso’s squad.

Henderson, who captained Liverpool to Premier League glory in 2020, is said to be open to the move across London.

The experienced midfielder still has one year remaining on his Brentford contract after arriving from Ajax last summer, but it is said that the Bees may allow Henderson to leave on a free transfer.

Henderson was part of Thomas Tuchel’s England squad at the World Cup, but made just one substitute appearance against Panama before breaking his arm after falling over an advertising board during his side’s win over Mexico in the last-16.

The midfielder, who came through the academy at Sunderland, made 492 appearances in all competitions for Liverpool before making a controversial move to Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq in the summer of 2023.

Jordan Henderson made one appearance for England at the 2026 World Cup (Picture: Getty)

Henderson then returned to European football at Ajax before his move to Brentford last summer.

Chelsea’s interest in Henderson is the latest indication of a clear shift away from the youth-focused recruitment policy led by the BlueCo consortium following their takeover of the club in 2022.

Also on Monday, Chelsea were revealed to be in ‘advanced talks’ to sign striker Danny Welbeck, who has one year left on his deal Brighton.

Welbeck enjoyed the best goalscoring season of his Premier League career last campaign, with 13 goals in 37 appearances, but turns 36 later this year.

Chelsea are also exploring a deal for Danny Welbeck (Picture: Getty)

And earlier in the summer, Chelsea explored a deal to sign Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka following his impressive first season back in the Premier League.

However, the Blues saw an £8million offer swiftly rejected by Sunderland who are intent upon keeping their club captain after qualifying for the Europa League last season.