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 expressed his love towards Sunderland, and he is expected to return to his boyhood club this summer.
Henderson joined Ajax in January 2024, and he has since rejuvenated his career after a disappointing six months in the Saudi Pro League. The 34-year-old presently captains the Dutch giants and is under contract until the summer of 2026.
He is now being connected with a return to his Wearside roots following Sunderland’s remarkable elevation to the Premier League after an eight-year exile. The England star fueled the suspicions by attending the Black Cats’ 2-1 playoff final triumph against Sheffield United at Wembley Stadium last Saturday.
Henderson, who was also linked with a move to the Stadium of Light ahead of the winter transfer window, previously stated that Sunderland holds a particular place in his heart.
He told the Sunderland Echo that it has been his club since he was six or seven years old. Then I was in the stands. But I just hope to stay here [at Ajax]. I truly enjoy it here. I want to help the club expand further.
“We’re also taking those actions. But I also read it. I have no idea where this all came from, because there has been no interaction.”
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, assisting six times and scoring once, as Ajax finished second in the Eredivisie, missing out on the title by one point.
Kroes said Algemeen Dagblad: “I am really pleased with Jordan as captain, both on and off the field. So, we do not want to lose him. We expect him to contribute to the further development of our club and squad.”
However, Henderson may be enticed to rejoin his boyhood club and help them stay in the Premier League next season. Under Thomas Tuchel, he has reclaimed his spot in the England squad and is looking forward to regular playing time with the goal of competing in the World Cup next summer.
He rose through Sunderland’s youth to make his first-team debut as a teenager before joining Liverpool for £20 million in 2011.
Henderson won every major honour possible during his time at Liverpool, including the Premier League and Champions League, and captained England in important competitions.
His return would not only be a storybook ending to his career, but would also provide a big boost to Sunderland’s squad as they prepare to return to the Premier League.
Former Sunderland chairman and legend Niall Quinn recently discussed Henderson’s potential return to the Stadium of Light, stating that the midfielder would be welcomed back “with open arms.”
When asked on talkSPORT if Henderson should consider concluding his career at Sunderland, Quinn replied: “Well, I knew from the day Jordan departed and Liverpool gave us £20 million back then that there was a large wide door open for him any time he wanted to come back.
“Obviously, it is not my responsibility to do anything but comment on that. But couldn’t it be anything else?
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