Jordan Henderson responds to message from Sunderland amid return whispers

Sunderland shared a message with former star Jordan Henderson amid rumours of a return to the Stadium of Light this summer.

The Black Cats stunned Sheffield United in the playoff final, earning themselves a return to the Premier League after an eight-year absence.

But despite the excitement of a return to England's top-flight, Regis Le Bris' side face the difficult prospect of assembling a team capable of surviving relegation.

All of the last six teams to be promoted to the Premier League have suffered an instant return to the Championship, which does not bode well for Sunderland.

To make matters worse, the Black Cats have already lost playoff final hero Tommy Watson to Brighton, Jobe Bellingham has signed for Borussia Dortmund, and Chris Rigg continues to garner interest from Everton.

Sunderland plan to make "big" funds available this summer, Pete O'Rourke told Football Insider exclusively, but it remains to be seen what calibre of players the Black Cats are available to attract.

Sunderland send message to Jordan Henderson

Sunderland shared a message with former star Henderson on social media, captioned: "Happy Birthday, Jordan Henderson!"

The post showed the England international celebrating a goal during his time with the Black Cats, and was liked by the Ajax midfielder.

Henderson enjoyed a strong season in the Netherlands on the pitch, but off of it, the 35-year-old was plagued by questions of his commitment to the club [MailOnline].

Jordan Henderson transfer to Sunderland could be pivotal

Football Insider Verdict

Back in January, Football Insider revealed Sunderland were working on a deal to bring Henderson back to the North East.

The deal failed to materialise, but with the Black Cats returning to the Premier League, a move back to his boyhood club may appeal for the ex-Al-Ettifaq midfielder.

Paul Robinson told Football Insider Henderson could transform Sunderland's dressing room.

The former Liverpool man would bring with him a wealth of experience playing at the highest level, something that many of Le Bris' current crop lack.

What's more, Henderson's signing could encourage other players who are perhaps on the fence to make the move to the Premier League newcomers.

In other news at the Stadium of Light, Ian Darke gave his verdict on Amad's potential return to Sunderland to Mackem News.