‘Jordan Henderson set for stunning Sunderland return after £200m playoff windfall’
Jordan Henderson could be set for a stunning return to boyhood club Sunderland after their playoff final victory over Sheffield United.
The 83-time capped England international left Liverpool in 2023 to join Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia, before quickly departing the Middle East in favour of a return to Europe with Ajax.
But having joined at a difficult time for the Dutch club, Henderson found himself scapegoated for several of the team’s issues and seemed to be heading for a move to Monaco.
However, the ex-Sunderland midfielder hit out at “lies” by the media [ESPN] in regards to his mooted move to Ligue 1, getting into a verbal spat with a journalist during a press conference.
Whilst things have cooled off in the Netherlands for the 34-year-old, he has just one year remaining on his deal at the Johan Cruyff Arena, and it would be no surprise to see him move on in the summer.
Jordan Henderson in attendance as Sunderland claim victory
Sunderland completed an unbelievable comeback victory over Sheffield United in the playoff final at Wembley, and Henderson was in attendance to watch his former side.
Posting on his Instagram story, the former Black Cat posted a photo of the celebrations, captioned: “But I can’t help falling in love with you! Congratulations Sunderland!!! So happy for the whole club, back in the Premier League!”
Sources revealed to Football Insider in October 2024 that Sunderland were working on a deal to bring Henderson back to the Stadium of Light, and sources once again revealed to Football Insider that Henderson would be open to a move if Ajax agreed to a deal.
Whilst the move failed to come to fruition, the Black Cats’ return to the Premier League could make a deal much more feasible than it was when they were a Championship side.
Sunderland in need of Premier League experience to add to young squad
With Sunderland claiming a £200million windfall from their playoff final victory [BBC Sport], Regis Le Bris’ side are in a financial position to pay Henderson’s wages.
Adding to that, the England international will be keen to make an impression on Thomas Tuchel ahead of the 2026 World Cup, something that is hard to achieve whilst playing in the Eredivisie.
Sunderland have an incredible young core, led by Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham, but they are severely lacking in top-flight experience.
| 2024/25 Eredivisie stats | Henderson |
| Appearances | 28 |
| Starts | 21 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 4 |
| Minutes | 1,868 |
The playoff final win triggered Enzo Le Fee’s permanent move from Roma, but whilst the Frenchman boasts incredible talents, he lacks experience in the Premier League.
Adding Henderson’s leadership and experience competing at the highest level could be a major boost to the Black Cats’ slim chances of surviving relegation next season.