Xabi Alonso has already made it clear why he wants Jordan Henderson to join Chelsea

Jordan Henderson has been linked with a shock move to Chelsea this summer transfer window after a solid season at Brentford. 

Reports emerged on Monday that the Blues were working on a deal to sign the 36-year-old midfielder.

Brentford are happy to let Henderson go on a free transfer despite playing 33 times for the club in the Premier League last campaign.

Multiple sides in the Premier League are interested in signing the England international, but Chelsea are believed to be leading the race.

For many, the move may come as a surprise due to the midfielder’s age and declining quality.

However, Xabi Alonso’s previous praise of Henderson’s leadership skills outlines exactly why he wants him at the club.

Xabi Alonso: Jordan Henderson is heavily respected 

Henderson has no doubt had a great overall career, winning numerous trophies, including a Premier League and Champions League title.

However, what he is perhaps best known for is his leadership skills and the impact he can have on the dressing room.

In fact, he was taken to the 2026 World Cup with England precisely for these qualities.

This was something Alonso was able to deduce about Henderson back in 2019.

Speaking to BBC Sport via Liverpool, he said: “Jordan Henderson has become a figure in the changing room.

“I think he's so respected, so important for his teammates - that's the sense I get from watching in the stands. For the way they play it's very important, the energy he has.

“He's able to take that step forwards, not backwards to make that pressure a bit higher. The way he connects with the three players up front, they play very direct and the way Liverpool is playing is the Jürgen way - the way they played at Dortmund with him and the way they play at Liverpool now.”

Therefore, if The Athletic’s report is true, it is clear that Alonso wants Henderson to join Chelsea due to his leadership qualities.

While he still has the ability to make an impact on the pitch, this would likely be limited.

As a result, Alonso likely wants Henderson to come in and make an impact in the dressing room, with the Blues already having one of the youngest squads in the Premier League.

Who else do Chelsea want to sign this summer?

Reports also emerged on Monday that Chelsea were looking to sign Danny Welbeck from Brighton and Hove Albion.

The striker was a big hit at the Seagulls last season, and netted 13 Premier League goals as the club returned to Europe.

There is reported optimism from both sides that a deal can be done over the coming weeks.

However, it remains to be seen who Chelsea will bring through the door in the remaining weeks of the summer transfer window.