Chelsea complete Jordan Henderson deal as England veteran targets 2026-27 campaign

Chelsea have officially signed England midfielder Jordan Henderson on a two-year contract, with the former Liverpool captain set to join his new team-mates ahead of the 2026-27 season.

Henderson, who has won eight major honours during his career, including the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League, becomes the latest addition to Chelsea’s squad. The 35-year-old will begin preparations with the club after completing his move to Stamford Bridge.

Explaining his decision, Henderson told Chelsea’s official website: “Given the size of the club, the manager, who I have a huge amount of respect for, and the quality of the players, it was a massive opportunity that I couldn’t turn down.”

He added: “I’ve also been really impressed by how much the owners want Chelsea to be successful and to move in the right direction.”

Henderson said he was focused on making a contribution both on and off the pitch.

“For me, it’s about giving everything I have every day, on and off the pitch, to help the players around me and the team as much as possible,” he said. “I’m really excited to get started.”

The midfielder began his professional career at hometown club Sunderland, making his first-team debut at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea in November 2008. Following a loan spell with Coventry City, he established himself as a regular in Sunderland’s starting line-up.

Henderson made 79 appearances for Sunderland and earned his first England cap before moving to Liverpool in June 2011.

He went on to become an important player and influential leader at Anfield. In June 2015, Henderson was appointed Liverpool men’s captain following the departure of Steven Gerrard.

Liverpool enjoyed a highly successful period with Henderson as captain. The club won the UEFA Champions League in 2019 before ending a 30-year wait for the Premier League title the following season.

During his time with Liverpool, Henderson also lifted the FA Cup, the EFL Cup twice, the Community Shield, the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup. He later left the club to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq.

The England midfielder subsequently had spells with Ajax in the Netherlands and Brentford in west London before returning to the capital for his move to Chelsea and a fresh chapter at Stamford Bridge.

Henderson has won 91 caps for England. He was part of the squad that finished runners-up at UEFA Euro 2020 and also featured in the England group that finished third at the World Cup this summer.

Chelsea’s new signing now brings extensive experience of domestic and European football to a squad preparing for the 2026-27 campaign.