As a story of a footballing career coming full circle, it would be one of the most intriguing of recent times, even if it remains very much a fifty-fifty call as to whether Sunderland AFC will be reunited with one of its most successful graduates this summer.
When he left Wearside for Liverpool in 2011, I distinctly remember feeling a tinge of sadness as I realised that Jordan Henderson’s prime years almost certainly wouldn’t be spent in red and white.
Sunderland’s English midfielder Jordan H Photo credit should read GRAHAM STUART/AFP via Getty Images
He’d broken into the first team, progressed at an impressive rate and was definitely showing the kind of potential that could and ultimately would take him to the pinnacle of the domestic game.
During his distinguished spell at Anfield, there were trophies and England caps galore, as well as the honour of captaining Liverpool following Steven Gerrard’s departure, but did we always hold out hope that one day, Henderson might be in line for a return to the club where it all started?
As we prepare for our return to the Premier League and seek top flight experience in order to bolster a relatively youthful dressing room, it would appear as though it could be a possibility, with Ajax seemingly keen to part ways with Henderson and the veteran midfielder showing no outward signs of wishing to retire — but could it actually work?
First and foremost, it’s important to consider the circumstances under which he could possibly return.
AFC Ajax v FC Twente ‘65 - Eredivisie Photo by Ben Gal/BSR Agency/Getty Images
When we were in the Championship, I was never particularly keen on the idea of Henderson returning, not least because of his flirtation with the Saudi League’s riches and the unsavoury aftermath that followed, with Liverpool’s community outreach partners in particular expressing their dismay at what they saw as a betrayal.
Additionally, I felt the midfield options at our disposal were more than sufficient and I saw no real footballing merit in bringing Henderson back, given how the likes of Jobe and Dan Neil were progressing, with the experienced Alan Browne also available.
However, now that we’ve graduated to the top flight, we’ll need to adjust our recruitment accordingly — to ease the blow of Jobe’s departure and to provide Régis Le Bris with the kind of strength in depth he’ll need during a long season.
It goes without saying that we’ll need personalities whose heads won’t drop when times get tough, can bring some nous and street smarts to the team, and can also keep the spirits of their younger teammates up after difficult results.
Given his experience at this level and his credentials as a leader, there’s no Premier League ground that would intimidate Henderson and no support hostile enough to throw him off his game.
He reached the highest of highs with Liverpool as well as suffering the lowest of lows, and to that end, helping the Lads in what’s almost certain to be a battle against the drop may not hold any fear for him.
Liverpool v Manchester City - Premier League Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
On the other hand, does he have the zip in his legs to play the kind of role we’d be asking him to, and would wages possibly be a stumbling block if we attempt to bring him back to the Stadium of Light?
In response to the former, it’s fine to say “He’s a leader, he’ll set the standards and inspire his teammates”, but we all know the level of intensity the Lads will be required to hit next season and if Henderson’s unable to do that on a fitness basis, his influence on a matchday may be limited.
That’s not a dig — it’s just a fact of life at the elite level, as we simply can’t afford to carry passengers next season.
On the issue of wages, that’s surely down to the player himself and how much affinity he still holds for our club.
It goes without saying that he’d probably have to take a sizeable reduction in order to rejoin, but he was in attendance to see the Lads make history at Wembley, so could the thought of being part of that for next season and of helping to reestablish Sunderland as a top flight club sway him?
At this stage, I’d be surprised if Henderson rejoins the red and white ranks, but football’s capacity to surprise is limitless, and who knows what’s going on behind the scenes?
Everyone who saw him play for us remembers how much value Steve Bould added when he was snapped up by Peter Reid in 1999, and he was a couple of years older than Henderson is now, so that’s fairly encouraging.
When embarking on your maiden season as a Premier League club, you need to cast the net as widely as possible in order to bring your squad up to par. In theory at least, Henderson would tick plenty of boxes but whether that’s enough to persuade our recruitment team to make a move is another matter entirely.
One to watch with interest, perhaps.