Jordan Henderson Set For Shocking EPL Move

Jordan Henderson has always worn his heart on his sleeve. Now, at 35, the former Liverpool captain is weighing what could be the final big move of his career. However, few expected that this next chapter would begin in Nottingham.

According to several reports, Nottingham Forest is exploring a move for the former Liverpool captain. This opportunity is made possible by a clause in his current Ajax contract. The clause allows him to walk away for free if he decides to leave before mid-July. That opportunity in a football contract has suddenly made Henderson one of the most intriguing names on the summer market.

A Familiar Face With More To Give

Henderson returning to the Premier League might sound more like nostalgia than strategy, but it starts to make sense, too. Having just qualified for the UEFA Europa Conference League, Nottingham Forest is not only trying to make its status as a top-flight club but also aiming to become a competitive force on the European stage. That is where Henderson fits in.

He is not just a veteran with 84 England caps and a Champions League trophy. He is a leader who’s been through almost every high and low the game has to offer. Forest could use that kind of voice in their dressing room; a calm, battle-tested presence who knows what it takes to stay steady when the pressure’s on.

But it’s not just Forest doing the chasing. Marseille, who nearly bought him last January, is reportedly still monitoring the situation. Then there is the emotional pull of a potential homecoming to Sunderland, Henderson’s boyhood club, newly promoted and ready for Premier League action. Still, it is Forest who seems to be in pole position. They’re offering European football, a competitive league, and a team looking for a midfield general. For Henderson, it’s a chance to write one last meaningful chapter in English football.

Ajax, Exit Clauses, and Last World Cup Dream

It’s hard to forget how Henderson exited Saudi Arabia just six months into a lucrative move to Al-Ettifaq. His switch to Ajax in January was meant to be about football again, about rhythm and relevance. For the most part, he delivered, becoming a central figure on a side that was clearly in transition.

But it hasn’t been without problems. Reports emerged earlier this year of Henderson clashing with Ajax over a proposed move to Monaco. Rumors suggested he was so frustrated by being denied an exit that he refused to wear the captain’s armband in a Europa League match against Galatasaray. Whether that version of events is accurate, it was clear Henderson wasn’t fully settled. Now, with that release clause active and the clock ticking, a decision awaits.

He is already back in England Manager Thomas Tuchel’s plans. Returning to Premier League football would only strengthen his case for one last international run, possibly at the 2026 World Cup in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. That dream is not far away for someone who has always carried himself like a professional and kept his fitness levels up.

Unlike many players in their mid-thirties, Henderson hasn’t looked like he’s slowing down. He still plays with the same engine, the same intensity, and most importantly, the same pride. He may not start every week for a top-six side anymore, but in a team like Forest, he could be both a starter and a mentor, especially with younger midfielders still learning. 

Final Thoughts

For Henderson, this move won’t just be about football. It will be about ending his career on his terms, where he can feel challenged, be heard in the locker room, and have something tangible to play for. Fans at the City Ground might still dream of marquee signings with flair and flash, but if Forest gets the Englishman, they’ll be getting something more critical: substance, leadership, and a player who doesn’t cut corners. Someone who’s still got a few battles left in his boots.