Jordan Henderson’s move to Chelsea represents one of the more peculiar transfers of the summer. But dig a little deeper and the logic becomes at least more convincing. A player in the twilight of a glittering career is returning to one of the biggest clubs in Europe. Awkward spells with Al-Ettifaq and Ajax were followed by a more productive and defined role in an excellent Brentford season last term.
It is there and in his latest cameo at the World Cup with England, which saw him make just one appearance across seven minutes against Panama, that the 36-year-old’s immediate value has emerged. Blues fans will have to be patient, though, with Henderson away on holiday as the club navigates a pre-season tour in Hong Kong, Indonesia and Malaysia.
