Jordan Henderson backed to ‘transform Sunderland dressing room’ after signing
Jordan Henderson has been backed to make a sensational return to Sunderland following their promotion to the Premier League.
Despite concerns about the 34-year-old’s age and wage demands, his experience and influence off the pitch are seen as huge assets for the newly-promoted side.
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson told Football Insider that the former Liverpool captain would transform the Black Cats’ dressing room.
Sunderland’s squad has an average age of just 24, ten years shy of Henderson’s, and both the players and Regis Le Bris would benefit greatly from his influence.
Football Insider revealed that Sunderland had plotted a move to sign Henderson in the January transfer window, but were unable to pull it off.
Following their playoff victory against Sheffield United, however, there is a growing belief that he could be set to return to the Stadium of Light.
Jordan Henderson backed to make Sunderland return
Football Insider first revealed in October that Henderson is open to returning to Sunderland should they reach an agreement with Ajax.
There is a growing feeling that the midfielder will be allowed to leave the Eredivisie club this summer after they missed out on the title on the final day of the season.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Robinson explained that Henderson’s influence both on and off the pitch could be vital for Sunderland.
“The age and salary combination is massively off-putting,” he told Football Insider.
“But I think on the flip side of it, it’s the experience he would bring to an extremely young dressing room.
“Look at how young that dressing room is and how young the squad is, the experience he would bring into that would be a welcome addition.
“We know he’s a cult hero in the North East and he would be welcomed back with open arms.
“But I do think the age and salary could be an issue.
“Coming back to the Premier League, it’s quick, it’s fast, it’s strong, it’s technical.
“Is Jordan Henderson still able to keep up at that level? It would be a big test for him to play every week.
“I think he’s maximised what he’s got and made the most out of his talents, and he’s extremely highly-regarded and well-respected.
“From a commercial point of view, it would be a wise move to bring him back.
“Managers sometimes need players like him alongside them to be their eyes and ears in the dressing room, so for Henderson to go back there would be a good move.”
Chris Rigg, Dan Neil, Jobe Bellingham updates
While they are being linked with Henderson to bring experience to their squad, Sunderland have also been tipped to keep hold of two key youngsters.
Football Insider revealed on 30 May that Dan Neil and Chris Rigg could stay at the Stadium of Light despite plenty of interest in their situations.
Jobe Bellingham’s imminent departure will provide a financial boost on top of their earnings from securing promotion and allow them to keep other key players.
This comes after Football Insider exclusively revealed on 28 May that Bellingham has verbally agreed to join Dortmund after holding talks with multiple clubs.
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