‘Sunderland to reignite Jordan Henderson deal as another midfielder nears exit door’
Sunderland might reignite their interest in former player Jordan Henderson as another midfielder looks set to leave the Stadium of Light.
Henderson is a product of the Black Cats academy and made his Premier League debut for the club in 2008 aged 18 years old.
Following promotion back to the Premier League in May after eight years away, Henderson is keen to return to his boyhood club.
Now 35, Henderson has since become a Premier League and Champions League winner with Liverpool.
His return to the North East could be close, as another midfielder has been given the green light to leave the club.
Ekwah departure signals Henderson arrival
Pierre Ekwah is set for a move to Ligue 2 side AS Saint-Etienne, according to the Sunderland Echo (June 19) after the French club confirmed they will take up their option to purchase the midfielder following his loan spell last season.
The figure is believed to be around £6million, which would be a boost to the Black Cats’ transfer kitty this summer.
The 23-year-old did make 61 appearances for the club, scoring five goals and registering two assists, but is now deemed surplus to requirements.
That could open the door for Henderson, currently at Ajax, to make his return.
Experience crucial as Black Cats prepare for Premier League return
Sunderland were promoted to the Premier League with the youngest squad in the Championship with an average age of 23.2 years old (ITV).
Henderson’s experience in the middle of the park though could be just what manager Regis Le Bris needs in his squad.
The step up between the two divisions is getting bigger each year, so managing to bring back a player who has won all of Europe’s biggest titles and has 84 England caps to his name could be a smart piece of business.
| Appearances | 431 |
| Goals | 33 |
| Assists | 54 |
Henderson has been on the end of criticism recently for his inclusion in England squads, but there is no denying his leadership and organisational skills would be an asset.
The Black Cats could have up to £200m to spend in this transfer window and they have already secured the permanent signing of Enzo Le Fee following his loan spell last season.
They begin their Premier League campaign at home to West Ham on August 16th, so Le Bris will be keen to have done much of his transfer business before then.