Jordan Henderson was seen cheering on Sunderland during their play-off final victory at Wembley Stadium and continues to be linked with a transfer to his boyhood club ahead of the summer window
Jordan Henderson has already made his feelings towards Sunderland clear as he continues to be linked with a return to this boyhood club this summer.
Henderson joined Ajax in January 2024 where he has since revived his career following a dismal six months in the Saudi Pro League. The 34-year-old currently captains the Dutch giants and is under contract until summer of 2026.
He has now been linked with a return to his Wearside roots following Sunderland’s dramatic promotion to the Premier League after an eight-year absence. The England star fuelled those rumours further by being in attendance at Wembley for the Black Cats’ 2-1 playoff final victory over Sheffield United last Saturday.
Henderson, who was also linked with a move to the Stadium of Light ahead of the winter transfer window, admitted at the time that Sunderland has a special place in his heart.
He told the Sunderland Echo: “It’s my club, ever since I was a boy of six or seven years old. Then I was in the stands. But I just hope I stay here [at Ajax]. I really like it here. I want to help the club to grow further.
“We are also taking those steps. But I also read it. I don’t even know where all this comes from, because there has been no contact.”
Jordan Henderson attended Sunderland’s match at Wembley(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
Despite his comments, Henderson almost left Ajax in January amid interest from Ligue 1 club Monaco. The sides were unable to agree a fee and it was reported the star demanded that Ajax chiefs rip up his deal to allow him to move on a free transfer and even threatened to stop playing.
However, those claims were rubbished by Henderson himself in a spiky interview and Ajax sporting director Alex Kroes earlier this year dismissed any talk of Henderson being allowed to leave the Johan Cruijff Arena.
Henderson made 45 appearances this season, registering six assists and a goal while Ajax finished second in the Eredivisie, missing out on the title by a single point.
Kroes told Algemeen Dagblad: “I am extremely satisfied with Jordan as captain, both on and off the pitch. So we don’t want to lose him. We assume he will help us continue the further development we are currently going through as a club and a team.”
But Henderson could now be tempted to join his boyhood club and aid their efforts to stay in the Premier League next season. Under Thomas Tuchel, he has regained his place in the England squad and has regular game time on his mind, with an eye on making next summer’s World Cup.
He came through Sunderland’s academy to break into the first team as a teenager before completing his £20million move to Liverpool in 2011.
Jordan Henderson came through the ranks at Sunderland before making the move to Liverpool in 2011(Image: Getty Images)
Henderson lifted every major honour available during his time at Liverpool, including the Premier League and Champions League, while captaining England at major tournaments.
His return would represent not only a fairytale conclusion to his career but also a significant boost to Sunderland’s squad as they prepare for life back in the top flight.
Former chairman and Sunderland legend Niall Quinn recently spoke about the possibility of Henderson returning to the Stadium of Light, believing the midfielder would be welcomed back to the club “with open arms.”
Asked on talkSPORT whether Henderson should consider finishing his career at Sunderland, Quinn replied: “Well, I had it from the day Jordan left and Liverpool paid us £20m back in the day that there was a big wide door open for him any time he wanted to come back.
