Latest news with #Norgaard
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson completes Brentford move
Brentford have announced the signing of Jordan Henderson on a two-year deal, making the former Liverpool captain their first addition under new head coach Keith Andrews. Henderson arrives on a free transfer following his departure from Ajax and returns to the Premier League for the first time since leaving Liverpool in 2023. Advertisement The 35-year-old was targeted as a replacement for departing club captain Christian Norgaard, who recently joined Arsenal, and will add valuable leadership to a dressing room undergoing significant change. Brentford lost a number of senior figures this summer, including Norgaard, Ben Mee and Mark Flekken, prompting the club to prioritise experience in their recruitment. Andrews, speaking on the signing, praised Henderson's fitness and mentality, calling him 'one of the most influential leaders in modern Premier League years'. The new Brentford boss added that the England international's professionalism and experience would help guide a relatively young squad and ensure standards remain high. Advertisement Henderson's signing signals a major statement from Brentford, who are navigating a busy summer following Thomas Frank's move to Tottenham Hotspur. The midfielder reportedly had offers from abroad but chose to return to England, where he is aiming to remain in contention for Thomas Tuchel's England squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Henderson has featured in Tuchel's first two squads and earned his 84th cap for England in last month's win over Andorra. After beginning his career at Sunderland, Henderson spent 12 years at Liverpool, making 492 appearances and winning every major trophy including the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup. Advertisement He left Anfield in 2023 to join Steven Gerrard's Al Ettifaq but spent just six months in Saudi Arabia before moving to Ajax, where he played 57 matches before departing this summer. Brentford see him as a like-for-like replacement for Norgaard in midfield, but his arrival is also expected to fill a broader leadership gap within the squad. He joins former Liverpool team-mates Caoimhin Kelleher, Fabio Carvalho and Sepp van den Berg, who all signed for the Bees in the last year. As Brentford prepare for a new era under Andrews, Henderson will be expected to provide experience, leadership and stability in a side looking to build on last season's 10th-place finish.
Irish Independent
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Ex-Liverpool star Jordan Henderson says Keith Andrews influenced Brentford move: ‘As soon as I had that conversation'
Henderson will take the shirt previously worn by club captain Christian Norgaard, who left for Arsenal last week in a deal worth up to £12million. Norgaard's departure has left a significant leadership void that Henderson is expected to fill. But the 35-year-old says that, whilst his experience will be important, he has to prove he can still compete in the Premier League. 'I try my best to pass on my experiences, especially to the younger players. But, at the same time, I still need to perform and do my job on the pitch," Henderson said after signing a two-year deal with Brentford. 'It's a given that I'll help everybody around me but, even at my age, you can still learn a lot, you can still improve, and you can still get better, which is what I want to do at this club.' Henderson, who lifted seven major trophies, all but one of which as club captain, across a 12-year Liverpool career, praised the influence of Brentford head coach Keith Andrews, saying the former Ireland international was a big reason behind him coming to west London. He continued: 'When I spoke to Phil Giles, Lee Dykes and Keith [Andrews], 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. Even at my age, you can still learn a lot, you can still improve, which is what I want to do at this club Jordan Henderson 'When I spoke to Keith a few times, he was very good and very honest, and he's excited to get started as well. He was another big reason why I wanted to come and try to help the club keep moving forward.' In a summer of upheaval, with Brentford losing long-serving head coach Thomas Frank, captain Norgaard, and potentially both star forwards Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa, Henderson's arrival should help provide stability. The 84-cap England international has made 431 Premier League appearances, and his sights are set on making Thomas Tuchel's Three Lions squad ahead of next year's World Cup. Henderson becomes Brentford's fourth signing of the summer after the arrivals of Antoni Milambo, Caoimhín Kelleher and Michael Kayode.
Daily Mirror
12-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Christian Norgaard snubbed European giant before sealing dream Arsenal transfer
Christian Norgaard completed his £12million (initial £10m plus £2m in add-ons) transfer across London from Brentford to Arsenal this week and the Dane has walked a long-winding pathway to arrive at one of the Premier League's biggest clubs Just 12 minutes into his professional debut, 17-year-old Christian Norgaard flattened the opposition goalkeeper with a crunching challenge. The industrious Dane, who this week sealed his shock £12million transfer to Arsenal from Brentford, had entered the field for Lyngby in the closing stages of a highly-contested relegation six-pointer against HB Koge. Remarkably, it would represent his only senior appearance for the Danish outfit as a career-changing switch to German giants Hamburg beckoned. Norgaard, 31, insists the exciting lure of experiencing Champions League football at the Emirates proved to be an opportunity simply too good to refuse. That quote, delivered in his first interview as an Arsenal player, is reflective of the long-winding pathway the combative midfielder has trodden on his rollercoaster journey to the top. He was fundamental cog in Thomas Frank's well-oiled Bees machine during an illustrious six-year spell in west London and his commendable leadership, reliability and defensive qualities have evidently left a huge impression upon Mikel Arteta. However, despite the thunderous tackle on his first senior appearance plus the one that "nearly broke" the leg of new team-mate Gabriel Martinelli in April, Norgaard hasn't always been regarded as a no-nonsense anchorman. Upon return to his homeland with Brondby - where he first played under the tutelage of Frank - the Gunners' latest signing occasionally featured as a playmaker and winger, even scoring a stunning curler from distance in a pre-season friendly against Brendan Rodgers ' Liverpool in 2014. After previously attracting interest from AC Milan, Norgaard's sparkling form in Scandinavia later saw him earn a transfer to Fiorentina but his stay in Italy was incredibly short-lived. The Denmark international, who has now been part of the national team squad for three major tournaments, only featured six times in Serie A before sealing a £2.8m move to Brentford. Norgaard's stint with Fiorentina was mentally challenging - not least because he was secretly taking sleeping pills. The issue began in the latter stages of his time at Brondby, particularly before away matches when the team would stay in hotels. When Norgaard would climb into bed, he'd fear the prospect of being unable to get to sleep and his mind would go into overdrive. He has since confessed during an interview with Danish newspaper Bold that he was virtually awake all night before Brondby's 2018 Danish Cup semi-final and final wins over Midtjylland and Silkeborg, respectively. The tablets helped tackle the problem but his dependence soon snowballed and he sought the help of Brentford's specialist sleeping coach Anna West. West, according to Norgaard, had described his usage of the pills as "a pacifier that we should have put away." Initially, that irked the Dane but slowly but surely, the pair put the habit to bed. Norgaard's bravery and openness to willingly discuss one of football's most taboo subjects was rightfully lauded back on home soil. In fact, he received many messages and letters revealing his actions had inspired others to speak up and make changes amid their own personal battles. Arsenal have not only signed a talented, proficient replacement for Jorginho, they've also landed a consummate professional and leader of men. It's indicative of his character that he snubbed upwards of four lucrative Bosman offers - including one from Portuguese giants Benfica - to pen a two-year contract extension with Brentford in late March because his family were settled in the capital. Norgaard may not represent Arsenal's sexiest addition of the summer but there can be no doubt that he has the capacity to help drive Arteta's squad to silverware and new heights. He has not made the move just to make up the numbers.
The Irish Sun
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Christian Norgaard breaks down in tears after seeing young son in Arsenal kit for the first time
CHRISTIAN NORGAARD broke down in tears as he posed in an Arsenal kit alongside his young son. The newly-signed midfielder was posing for pics in his new kit but couldn't hold it together after seeing his lad proudly don his Gunners shirt with his name on the back. 6 Norgaard and his son during his photoshoot after signing for Arsenal Credit: X @Arsenal 6 The new Gunners midfielder broke down in tears after seeing his son in the kit Credit: X @Arsenal 6 He took a while to compose himself after the touching hug Credit: X @Arsenal Norgaard, 31, completed a stunning move to the Emirates this week and was in the middle of his photoshoot when his little boy appeared, all decked out in the shirt. His beaming son came bounding into the room, grinning from ear to ear, wearing a full Gunners strip with 'Norgaard 16' on the back. The Dane didn't stand a chance, his heart melted as he hugged the boy tightly before reluctantly letting go in a short video posted on social media. Fans found it deeply emotional, with one commenting: 'He looks like a top guy.' READ MORE IN FOOTBALL Another added: "So special seeing his dream come true. He's going to cry when he hears the UCL anthem for the first time.' A third chimed in: 'This is what it means. This is what it's all about. Welcome to the family.' The Danish international had been a crucial part of the Bees set-up since his arrival from Fiorentina in 2019. But with manager Thomas Frank departing for Tottenham, Norgaard was among the players looking for a new challenge. Most read in Football BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK Arsenal agreed a £15million fee and offered him a two-year deal, as they're looking to add depth and Premier League experience to their squad. This summer transfer window is expected to be a massive one for the Gunners who are closing in on signing Noni Maduek e. The Who will Madueke & Lookman replace at Arsenal after £50m approach? | Transfers Exposed 6 They've already landed Kepa Arrizabalaga from their West London rivals and secured long-term Talks are ongoing behind the scenes for Sporting's Swedish centre-forward Viktor Gyokeres . 6 The pride of a son seeing his dad in an Arsenal kit Credit: X @Arsenal 6 It's a moment both will not easily forget soon Credit: X @Arsenal
Scottish Sun
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Christian Norgaard breaks down in tears after seeing young son in Arsenal kit for the first time
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) CHRISTIAN NORGAARD broke down in tears as he posed in an Arsenal kit alongside his young son. The newly-signed midfielder was posing for pics in his new kit but couldn't hold it together after seeing his lad proudly don his Gunners shirt with his name on the back. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 Norgaard and his son during his photoshoot after signing for Arsenal Credit: X @Arsenal 6 The new Gunners midfielder broke down in tears after seeing his son in the kit Credit: X @Arsenal 6 He took a while to compose himself after the touching hug Credit: X @Arsenal Norgaard, 31, completed a stunning move to the Emirates this week and was in the middle of his photoshoot when his little boy appeared, all decked out in the shirt. His beaming son came bounding into the room, grinning from ear to ear, wearing a full Gunners strip with 'Norgaard 16' on the back. The Dane didn't stand a chance, his heart melted as he hugged the boy tightly before reluctantly letting go in a short video posted on social media. Fans found it deeply emotional, with one commenting: 'He looks like a top guy.' Another added: "So special seeing his dream come true. He's going to cry when he hears the UCL anthem for the first time.' A third chimed in: 'This is what it means. This is what it's all about. Welcome to the family.' The Danish international had been a crucial part of the Bees set-up since his arrival from Fiorentina in 2019. But with manager Thomas Frank departing for Tottenham, Norgaard was among the players looking for a new challenge. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK Arsenal agreed a £15million fee and offered him a two-year deal, as they're looking to add depth and Premier League experience to their squad. This summer transfer window is expected to be a massive one for the Gunners who are closing in on signing Noni Madueke. The Chelsea winger is now flying in from the US to complete the deal - despite the Blues playing in the Club World Cup final on Sunday. Who will Madueke & Lookman replace at Arsenal after £50m approach? | Transfers Exposed 6 They've already landed Kepa Arrizabalaga from their West London rivals and secured long-term target Martín Zubimendi from Real Sociedad. Talks are ongoing behind the scenes for Sporting's Swedish centre-forward Viktor Gyokeres. 6 The pride of a son seeing his dad in an Arsenal kit Credit: X @Arsenal
