James Maddison sends heartfelt message to Jordan Henderson amid Sunderland whispers
James Maddison posted a heartwarming message to Jordan Henderson amid growing speculation over a potential return to Sunderland.
The Black Cats are set for a long-awaited return to the Premier League, joining Leeds United and Burnley in promotion. Sunderland beat Sheffield United in the Championship play-off final and will mark their first top-flight appearance in eight years.
However, Regis Le Bris is already facing early challenges in the transfer market. The squad has seen key departures, with Jobe Bellingham completing a high-profile move to Borussia Dortmund, creating an immediate gap in midfield.
In response, Sunderland have been linked with a sensational move for Jordan Henderson, 14 years after he first left the club for Liverpool in 2011. A return to the Stadium of Light would carry huge emotional significance for both the player and the fans.
Amid the ongoing speculation, Henderson received a message of support from Tottenham midfielder James Maddison, who appeared to show his admiration during an uncertain but potentially meaningful chapter in the veteran’s career.
| Career statistics | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Sunderland | 79 | 5 | 10 |
| Liverpool | 492 | 33 | 58 |
| Ajax | 57 | 1 | 9 |
James Maddison praises Jordan Henderson amid Sunderland transfer speculation
Maddison shared a heartfelt message to Henderson via Instagram as the veteran midfielder celebrated his birthday on 17 June.
The Spurs star wrote: “Happy birthday to this legend. One of a kind human & top top player.
Probably most underrated I’ve ever played with. Love ya sheriff.”
Henderson is currently at Ajax, following a short-lived stint in Saudi Arabia. While it remains to be seen whether a return to the North East will materialise, his leadership qualities and experience could prove invaluable to Le Bris’ newly promoted Sunderland side.
Former Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn has publicly urged the club to pursue a move for Henderson following their promotion back to the Premier League.
Henderson rose through the ranks of Sunderland’s academy and broke into the first team before securing a £20 million move to Liverpool in 2011. He went on to captain the Reds to Premier League and Champions League triumphs, making a potential return to the Stadium of Light a full-circle moment.
Sunderland battle Premier League rivals for Vladimir Coufal
As the transfer window opens, Sunderland appear to be targeting experienced reinforcements ahead of their Premier League return.
Football Insider revealed on 11 June that newly promoted sides Leeds, Burnley and Sunderland are all monitoring the availability of Vladimir Coufal, who is now a free agent.
Coufal made 147 Premier League appearances and played a key role in West Ham’s Europa Conference League-winning campaign.
However, Sunderland will face stiff competition, with Everton, Wolves and Fulham also showing interest in the Czech international as he weighs up his next move.