‘Sunderland set for Jordan Henderson decision with Ajax deal agreed’

Jordan Henderson has officially become a free agent amid links to a return to Sunderland.

The 35-year-old midfielder came back to Europe with Ajax midway through the 2023/24 season following a short spell in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ettifaq.

Henderson went on to play 57 times for the Amsterdam giants across all competitions, registering one goal and nine assists and earning high praise from the club's supporters for his performances.

Jordan Henderson departs Ajax as free agent

Henderson's time in the Dutch capital has now come to an end.

Journalist Mike Verweij of Dutch newspaper Telegraaf confirmed on Wednesday that the 84-time England international had gone to Ajax's training ground to 'say goodbye to his teammates', with his contract expiring on June 30 and no fresh agreement in place.

Verweij added that while his time with Ajax had been a success, Henderson's salary 'put too much of a strain on budget', with a departure considered the best option for all parties.

Sunderland must act fast to bring Henderson back

Henderson has been heavily linked with Premier League duo Nottingham Forest and Sunderland this summer.

The latter feels like the most likely and logical choice, given he rose through the Sunderland academy ranks and played 79 times for the club between 2008 and 2011 before joining Liverpool.

Henderson -- who won Premier League and Champions League titles at Anfield, among other honours -- would represent a high-value addition for Sunderland on a free transfer, especially given his vast experience in the game.

The Black Cats have spent heavily on the likes of Habib Diarra and Chemsdine Talbi this summer, so bringing someone of Henderson's stature in for nothing would be a major coup, even despite his age.

However, other Premier League clubs are sure to be thinking the same thing and football does not wait for sentimentality.

If Sunderland want to bring Henderson back to the Stadium of Light, they'll have to move quickly.