Jordan Henderson could be set to make a switch back to boyhood club Sunderland on a short-term basis according to reports.
The Premier League and Champions League-winning captain at Liverpool has found his playing time tough across recent seasons following his failed move to Saudi Arabia and then a switch to Dutch giants Ajax last season. Whilst he has been a fixture of the Amsterdam club’s Europa League campaign with seven of his twelve appearances this season coming in the competition, The Black Cats are eyeing up a move for the 34-year-old.
According to Football Insider, Sunderland have made contact with the midfielder over a potential January move, which would see him return to Wearside on a six-month deal but with an option of an additional season. Should Henderson want to return to The Stadium of Light, Ajax would not stop the deal from going ahead as he is under contract until 2026.
Regis Le Bris has guided Sunderland to a brilliant start to their third season back in the Championship and has put them top of the table on goal difference as it stands. They are also the top scorers in the division ahead of their clash against Hull City when league action resumes next week.
Henderson left his hometown club in 2011 to move to Anfield, where he became the club captain and a big fixture of Liverpool’s success under Jurgen Klopp. He won five major trophies whilst on Merseyside but moved to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq ahead of a midfield rebuild in 2023.
The switch to play under Steven Gerrard did not pay off, with the deal being curtailed after just six months and Henderson was not paid for his time there. He moved to Ajax, where he has only totalled 24 appearances since arriving on a free transfer at the start of this year.
TalkSPORT had previously reported that the midfielder was searching for a way to return to England, with Premier League and Championship clubs monitoring the situation.
Writer’s View
A move for Jordan Henderson to return to Sunderland seems like it is written in the stars. The player wants to move back to England and where else better to go than where it all started for him. His pedigree he has gained with Liverpool will make him a great leader for his side as they push on for promotion. The Black Cats look to have finally clicked into gear under Regis Le Bris and bringing in a solid midfield reinforcement like Henderson in January would be a great sign of intent for their ambitions.
However, a deal to bring Henderson home does come with its implications. Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham look like the most exciting midfield pairing in the league at the moment and at 22 Dan Neil is a very solid holding midfielder with room to grow. A move for the 34-year-old could stunt any development they might get and add more players to a crowded midfield department which has seen Salis Abdul Samed yet to make an appearance since being loaned from Lens. He has lost credit over the past year or so with his move to Saudi Arabia and does seem to be in a tricky moment in his career as it stands.
It will be a tough battle for Sunderland to secure promotion back to the Premier League. Sheffield United are still yet to lose but face their biggest test in Yorkshire enemies Leeds United next weekend, whilst Burnley face Sheffield Wednesday. Automatic promotion is certainly on the cards but with the parachute payments and still Premier League quality squads their competitors have on offer, it will be an uphill battle to finish in the top two. A play-off berth is the likeliest scenario and based on this early season form have a great chance of finally getting back into the top flight.
