Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson opened up about a potential return to the Premier League after being linked with a move away from Ajax ahead of the summer transfer window
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Jordan Henderson #6 of Ajax looks on during warm up ahead of the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD8 match between AFC Ajax and Galatasaray A.S. at Johan Cruijff Arena on January 30, 2025 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Jordan Henderson addressed rumours linking him with a return to Sunderland
(Image: Getty Images)
Jordan Henderson has already made his feelings towards Sunderland clear ahead of a potential transfer to his boyhood club this summer. Henderson left Liverpool two years ago to begin a new journey in the Saudi Pro League under Steven Gerrard.
The former Reds skipper quickly came to regret that decision and parted ways with Al-Ettifaq in favour of Ajax. He has since enjoyed a resurgence and captained the Dutch giants, though he has just a year left on his current deal.
Despite this, the 34-year-old since late last year has been linked with a return to the North East of England, with speculation ramping up given Sunderland’s recent promotion to the Premier League after an eight-year absence.
The England star fuelled those rumours further by being in attendance at Wembley Stadium for the Black Cats’ 2-1 Championship play-off final victory over Sheffield United last Saturday.
Ahead of the last winter transfer window, there had been suggestions that Henderson could move to the Stadium of Light. And Henderson admitted at the time that Sunderland still has a special place in his heart.
He told the Sunderland Echo at the time: “It’s my club, ever since I was a boy of six or seven years old. Then I was in the stands. But I just hope I stay here [at Ajax]. I really like it here. I want to help the club to grow further.
Jordan Henderson watches Sunderland gain promotion back to the Premier League.
Jordan Henderson attended Sunderland's recent match at Wembley(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
“We are also taking those steps. But I also read it. I don’t even know where all this comes from, because there has been no contact.”
Despite his comments, Henderson almost parted ways with Ajax in January amid interest from Ligue 1 club Monaco. The sides were unable to agree a fee and it was reported the star demanded that Ajax chiefs rip up his deal to allow him to move on a free transfer and even threatened to stop playing.
However, those claims were rubbished by Henderson himself in a spiky interview and Ajax sporting director Alex Kroes earlier this year dismissed any talk of Henderson being allowed to leave the Johan Cruijff Arena.
Jordan Henderson came through the ranks at Sunderland before making the move to Liverpool in 2011
Jordan Henderson came through the ranks at Sunderland before making the move to Liverpool in 2011
Henderson managed 45 appearances in all competitions this season, contributing six assists and one goal as Ajax finished runners-up in the Eredivisie by a single point margin.
In an interview with Algemeen Dagblad, Kroes said: “I am extremely satisfied with Jordan as captain, both on and off the pitch. So we don’t want to lose him. We assume he will help us continue the further development we are currently going through as a club and a team.”
Yet, there's a possibility that Henderson might be tempted by the idea of playing for his boyhood club in the Premier League next season. Under Thomas Tuchel, he has regained his place in the England squad and has regular game time on his mind, with an eye on making next summer's World Cup.
England head coach Thomas Tuchel greets Jordan Henderson and Dan Burn
England head coach Thomas Tuchel called up Jordan Henderson again for the upcoming fixtures in June
Henderson came up through Sunderland's youth ranks and broke into the first team as a teenager before sealing a £20million move to Liverpool in 2011. He lifted every major honour including the Premier League and Champions League with Liverpool and captained England at major tournaments.
His return to the Black Cats would represent not only a fairytale conclusion to his career but also a significant boost to Sunderland’s squad as they prepare for life back in the top flight.
Former chairman and club legend Niall Quinn has also weighed in on the likelihood of Henderson returning to the Stadium of Light, believing the midfielder would be welcomed back to the club “with open arms.”
Jordan Henderson looking on after Ajax vs NEC
Jordan Henderson's Ajax future remains uncertain(Image: Getty Images)
When asked on talkSPORT about the prospect of Henderson rounding off his playing days at Sunderland, Quinn replied: “Well, I had it from the day Jordan left and Liverpool paid us £20m back in the day that there was a big wide door open for him any time he wanted to come back.
"Obviously, it’s not my business to do anything but just comment on that. But wouldn’t it be something else?”