2 weeks ago
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Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has proven to be an outstanding acquisition for Brentford thus far this campaign, having completed a surprise return to the Premier League during the summer.
The sporting director at Ajax, the England international's previous club, has now shed light on precisely how Henderson ended up at Brentford. Ajax chief Alex Kroes also responded to critics who had questioned his choice to permit the former Liverpool skipper's departure from the club.
Speaking to Ajax Life, he disclosed that an arrangement had already been established with the Premier League champion, allowing him to depart should he choose to do so.
Henderson, 35, sent shockwaves through soccer when he departed Liverpool two years ago to sign for Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ettifaq. Yet within half a year, Henderson departed Saudi Arabia for Ajax.
Nevertheless, following Ajax's failure to secure the title last season, losing out to PSV, the Eredivisie powerhouse underwent significant restructuring with substantial emphasis on reducing costs.
This involved offloading the club's top earners, with Henderson amongst those commanding a substantial salary at the Dutch team.
"It's very simple. We made an agreement with Jordan when he was able to leave in January," Kroes said. "He would give his all for the second half of the season at Ajax to help us become champions or reach the Champions League.
"And then he had until July 14 to leave on a free transfer. That was a good agreement for both Ajax and him at the time.
"At the beginning of July, there was still nothing, so I called his agent and pointed out the approaching date. He informed me that Jordan would very likely leave, but he didn't yet know which club. In the end, it was Brentford.
"I understand people have different opinions about that. But they don't know the details, and we don't have to share them. For me, it's a matter of sitting still while you're being shaved. (Laughing) Doesn't matter, I don't have much hair anymore."
Henderson has quickly become an integral part of Keith Andrews' squad. Upon signing with Brentford, the Champions League victor made it clear that his decision was influenced by his admiration for the club.
"I've always had huge admiration for the club and what they've achieved over the last few years, in particular, how they've grown as a club," Henderson shared on the club's website.
"I've been told how organised and well-run the club is, it's very family-oriented, which I think is very important. When I spoke to Phil Giles, Lee Dykes, and Keith.
"I just had a really good feeling about everything. As soon as I had that conversation, it was clear for me that I wanted to come here and it was an easy decision in the end."
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