‘Sunderland face Jordan Henderson deadline amid Nottingham Forest interest’
Sunderland are facing competition from a Premier League rival for the signature of Jordan Henderson.
The Black Cats have been linked with a reunion with Henderson this summer as they prepare for life back in the Premier League after an eight-year absence.
Henderson rose through the academy at the Stadium of Light and left Sunderland in 2011 for Liverpool.
The 35-year-old controversially left Anfield for Saudi Arabia and now plays for Dutch giants Ajax.
Sunderland face deadline to complete Henderson deal
The Daily Mail report that Nottingham Forest, and French club Marseille, are interested in signing the England international and understands there is a clause in his contract which could make him a free agent.
Forest and Marseille both have the advantage of offering Henderson European football next season, but a return to his boyhood club could be too tempting to resist.
Losing out on Henderson to a Premier League rival would be a massive blow to Sunderland.
Having lost Jobe Bellingham and Tom Watson already in this window, Regis Le Bris needs to bring in a midfielder.
Henderson’s leadership, experience and calmness under pressure in the middle of the park would be a major asset to Le Bris.
Forest though would also benefit from such qualities in their squad and financially the East Midlands club would be able to offer Henderson a greater financial package.
Not acting swiftly could prove costly
Sunderland have only signed one player in the transfer window so far, spending £20million to land Enzo Le Fee.
They could potentially have up to £200m to spend this summer, and the club are taking their time to identify the right players.
However, with Forest interested, the club should be moving quickly to sign Henderson given the lack of Premier League experience in this Sunderland squad.
| Appearances | 431 |
| Goals | 33 |
| Assists | 54 |
The Black Cats were promoted last season with one of the youngest squads in the Championship, and while their fearlessness may be an asset, their naivety may cost them more points.
Henderson’s guidance for those younger players on how to navigate the challenges that a demanding Premier League season contains would be crucial.
Sunderland have a relatively kind start to life back in the top flight with a home match against West Ham followed by a trip to Burnley, but they need to make the most of those fixtures to set themselves up for the tougher tests to come.