'Relegation written all over it' - Brentford told Jordan Henderson is a 'downgrade' on Christian Norgaard as fans react to 'finished' ex-Liverpool captain's return to the Premier League

Following Norgaard's departure for Arsenal this summer, Brentford have found the Danish midfielder's replacement as they announced the arrival of Henderson on a two-year deal. The official statement from the club read: "Brentford can confirm the signing of Premier League and Champions League-winning captain Jordan Henderson on a two-year contract. Henderson, an England international with 84 caps for the Three Lions, joins the Bees on a free transfer after departing Ajax this summer."

The arrival of 35-year-old Henderson is not sitting well with a large section of fans who feel that the England international is a massive "downgrade" from former club captain Norgaard.

A fan with the X handle @kevo81393734 wrote: "LOVE HENDO! But this has relegation written all over it."

A Chelsea fan handle named CFCApex added: "I feel bad for you lot. How do you downgrade from Norgaard to Henderson RIP Brentfords European hopes."

A Manchester United fan handle named @UTD_Chill posted: "Finished player joining a Finished club."

Rob Edwards also took a dig at new Bees boss Keith Andrews as he wrote: "Andrews then this. It's like you want to get relegated."

Dean Evans also targeted Andrews as he added: "What an uninspiring signing if I ever seen one. First the manager now this."

Speaking on Henderson's arrival at the club, Brentford manager Andrews said: "When we became aware of Jordan’s availability, it was a pretty simple decision. We did our due diligence around his recent games to see where he is: he’s still phenomenally fit and he’s still phenomenally motivated to achieve things in the game, having already achieved a lot. With the void of experienced players leaving the building - Christian Nørgaard, Mark Flekken and Ben Mee - it was important to replace that.

"We’ve got a pretty young squad, overall, and we’ve got a lot of club experience, which is really important, with the likes of Vitaly Janelt, Mathias Jensen, Ethan Pinnock and Josh Dasilva, who is still at the club doing rehab. But what Jordan will bring is that he has been one of the most influential leaders in the modern Premier League years. He’s been at the forefront of driving for titles and the Champions League at a fantastic football club. He also has experience at an international level with England and, with that, comes a level of experience, professionalism and dedication to his profession - that’s the exact way we want to be as a football club. He will drive standards and be a brilliant addition to the squad."

Brentford are scheduled to play their first pre-season friendly on July 25 as they take on Gil Vincente in Portugal, with Henderson likely to make his debut for the club.