The latest Sunderland transfer news as Jordan Henderson agrees Premier League return
Former Sunderland midfielder Jordan Henderson left Ajax earlier this week and is set to join Brentford on a two-year deal. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)
Former Sunderland midfielder Jordan Henderson will not be sealing an emotional return to the club this summer despite the Black Cats return to the Premier League.
The Academy of Light graduate was in attendance to watch Regis Le Bris side end their eight year absence from the top flight with a 2-1 win over Sheffield United in the Championship play-off final. That, along with a clause in his Ajax contract that allowed him to leave as a free agent this month, sparked speculation of a remarkable homecoming with Sunderland looking to add Premier League experience to their ranks.
However, as ChronicleLive reported earlier this month, the Wearsiders were looking to explore alternative midfield targets during the current window, with Henderson not at the top of their wishlist.
Sunderland have bolstered their midfield options with the arrivals of Enzo Le Fee, Habib Diarra and Noah Sadiki to add strength in depth in their engine room.
However according to The Times, Henderson will be set for a Sunderland reunion this summer and has decided to move to Brentford to work under their new head coach, Keith Andrews. The report also claims that the England international had interest from a number of clubs in Europe, including FC Porto.
Sunderland are set to face Brentford on August 30th, with Henderson set to return to the Stadium of Light to play in front of a home crowd. The Black Cats will then make the trip to London to face the Bees on January 7,
Speaking after leaving Ajax, Henderson said: “To play for this club was an honour in itself. To have the privilege of captaining it was even more so.
“My only regret is that we didn’t deliver more success for the amazing supporters. They deserve to be celebrating major titles again, and I’m sure that time will come soon.
“My family and I were made to feel so welcome, not just by the club but also in the wonderful city of Amsterdam. We will always be grateful for that.
“Due to the tragic events of last week and the devastating loss of my former team-mate Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, it doesn’t feel right at this moment to say or do more than share this brief statement.
“However, I am fully aware that I owe this club, my team-mates and the supporters a fuller and more personal thank you. I will, of course, do that when the time feels more appropriate.”
Content Image
Content Image
Make sure you don't miss out on the latest SAFC news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.
You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day's biggest stories.