Ajax chief opens up on ex-Liverpool star Jordan Henderson's move to Brentford

Former Liverpool star Jordan Henderson has been a revelation since signing from Ajax for Brentford this summer

Jordan Henderson has emerged as an inspired signing for Brentford so far this season. The director of football at the England star's former club, Ajax, has now explained just how Henderson found his way to Brentford this summer.

Ajax chief Alex Kroes also hit back at those who questioned his decision to allow the former Liverpool captain to leave the club.

In an interview with Ajax Life, he revealed that an agreement was already in place with the Premier League title-winning star where he could leave if he wished.

Henderson, 35, caused major shockwaves when he left Liverpool two years ago to join Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq. But within six months, Henderson quit Saudi Arabia for Ajax.

However, after missing out on the title last season to PSV Eindhoven, the Eredivisie giants underwent a restructuring with a heavy focus on cost-cutting.

This included shedding the club's high earners, with Henderson one of those earning a hefty packet at the Dutch giants.

“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 already established himself as a key player in Keith Andrews’ team. Upon joining the Bees, the Champions League-winning star made it clear that his decision to join Brentford was driven by his respect 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 told the club's official 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."