Richard Dean
Sunderland Looks to Bring Jordan Henderson Back Home in January
As the January transfer window approaches, Sunderland is making headlines with its interest in re-signing former player Jordan Henderson. This exciting move could mark a significant shift for both the Championship leaders and the experienced midfielder.
Sunderland’s Ambitious Plan
Sunderland has reportedly reached out to discuss a potential deal with Henderson, who has had a challenging spell at Ajax. The Championship side, sitting atop the league table after nine matches, aims to leverage Henderson’s vast experience to help propel them back to the Premier League.
- Sunderland is currently leading the Championship on goal difference over Sheffield United.
- The club plans to offer Henderson a short-term contract until the end of the season with an option to extend for another year.
Sources from Football Insider claim that Ajax is open to allowing Henderson to leave if that is his wish. This development suggests that Henderson’s fit at Ajax may not be as solid as expected.
Henderson’s Journey
Henderson, now 34, began his football career at Sunderland before making a splash at Liverpool. He spent three years at the Stadium of Light, where he impressed with his performances and earned a move to the Reds. Over a decade at Liverpool, he became the team’s captain and enjoyed various triumphs, including winning the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League.
In 2023, Henderson faced backlash for his move to Saudi club Al Ettifaq. The controversial transfer raised eyebrows, particularly given his previous support of LGBTQ+ rights while at Liverpool. Henderson played for Al Ettifaq for only six months before joining Ajax, where he has since struggled for consistent playing time, appearing primarily in the Europa League.
Henderson has described his past decisions as things he may regret but urges the importance of learning from experiences. He stated, “In life, if you want to call them regrets or mistakes, you can call them that. But, at the same time, they’re only mistakes if you don’t learn from them.”
Current Status at Ajax
Since arriving in Amsterdam, Henderson has effectively participated in the Europa League, but his opportunities in the Eredivisie have been limited. He has started just twice in the league, raising questions about his role within the team.
- Henderson has made 12 appearances for Ajax this season.
- His contract at the Dutch club runs until 2026, but the lack of regular minutes could prompt a move back to England.
As Sunderland eyes a promotion push, bringing Henderson back could prove beneficial for both the club and the player. The move would allow Henderson to regain his form and leadership in a familiar environment where he initially made a name for himself.
Looking Ahead
If the deal goes through, Henderson would reunite with the club where he developed his skills before embarking on an illustrious career. Sunderland is aiming to return to the Premier League for the first time since 2017, and Henderson’s addition could be pivotal in achieving that goal.
After the international break, Sunderland will face Hull City, where they hope to continue their strong start to the season. The potential return of Henderson could add further excitement to the fans and the squad as they aim for top-flight football once again.
Sunderland’s interest in Henderson is a testament to the midfielder’s talents and experience. As January approaches, all eyes will be on how this situation unfolds, and whether the former England international will once again don the red and white stripes.
the next few months will be crucial for Jordan Henderson as he navigates this new chapter in his career. If Sunderland is able to secure his signature, it could be a remarkable return to form for the midfielder while simultaneously strengthening the team’s chances for promotion
