Jordan Henderson has become exactly what he said he didn't want to be at Liverpool

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Jordan Henderson insisted that he still wanted to be playing regularly when he left Liverpool three years ago, yet his proposed move to Chelsea would appear to go against his idealsJordan Henderson could be set for a surprise move to Chelsea(Image: Getty Images)Jordan Henderson could be set for perhaps the strangest and most unexpected turn in a career that has already seen some odd developments since his departure from Liverpool.The midfielder’s sudden departure from Anfield in 2023 wasn’t well received for a number of reasons. I don’t want to be sitting on the bench and coming on for 10 minutes in games.”Jordan Henderson insisted he still wanted to play regularly after leaving Liverpool(Image: PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)Taken at face value, you can certainly understand the sentiment behind Henderson’s comments there.

The same as at Brentford, a steady mid-table side where he could impart his experience while still playing plenty of games.Get Liverpool's new 2026/27 home kitThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn moreLiverpool FC have launched their new home kit for the 2026/27, inspired by iconic adidas strip worn during the club's 1989/90 title-winning campaign.It felt like Henderson was progressing to a pretty natural stage before he could hang up his boots and retire, with any bad blood with Liverpool fans having seemingly been forgotten after receiving a rousing reception back on Merseyside earlier this year.Yet, now he could be lined up for a move that not only risks souring that relationship with his former club again, but also goes against his supposed reasons for leaving Liverpool in the first place.Chelsea’s interest in Henderson is odd to say the least, given it’s made a habit of overloading its squad with young players over the last couple of years.

Realistically, you wouldn’t expect him to be playing regularly, which is what he insisted he wanted when left Liverpool.And after a summer in which he seemed to be acting as something of a cheerleader for England at the World Cup - admittedly not his fault as he can’t be expected to turn down the call-up - Henderson’s career seems to going down a strange path where he’s becoming exactly what he said he wanted to avoid - a bit-part player.Perhaps he sees Chelsea as one last opportunity to finish his career on a high, but you can’t imagine he’d be doing so as a mainstay in Alonso’s strongest side. Ultimately, it’s his choice what he does, but it does paint his motives for leaving Liverpool in a different light.