Since leaving Liverpool in the summer of 2023, Jordan Henderson has continued to make headlines with a series of career moves. The former Reds captain decided to take up a lucrative offer from Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq, after being informed by Jurgen Klopp that his playing time at Liverpool would be significantly reduced for the 2023/24 season.
The financial rewards were hard to turn down, but it appears that Henderson’s decision to move to Saudi Arabia might not have been the wisest choice.
After just 17 appearances with Al-Ettifaq, Henderson made the surprising decision to leave the Saudi club and head to Ajax in the Eredivisie, a move that reportedly cost him millions. This switch seemed to be a better fit for the England international, but his time at Ajax may also be short-lived.
According to a report from Football Insider, Henderson is open to the possibility of returning to his boyhood club, Sunderland, in the upcoming January transfer window. Sunderland, who are currently competing in the Championship, have started their season strongly.
They sit in a favorable position, having earned 19 points from their first nine games, placing them at the top of the table ahead of the international break.
A return to Sunderland would not only be a homecoming for Henderson but also a significant boost for the club. The Black Cats have been out of the Premier League since the 2016/17 season, and bringing in a player of Henderson’s caliber, with his wealth of experience and leadership qualities, could improve their chances of promotion.
While no single player can guarantee Sunderland’s return to the top flight, Henderson’s arrival would undoubtedly strengthen their squad and provide them with the leadership needed to navigate a tough Championship campaign.
Beyond the professional appeal of rejoining Sunderland, there are also personal benefits for Henderson should he return to England. He would be reunited with some familiar faces, including Nat Phillips, who is currently on loan at Derby County, and Ben Doak, now with Middlesbrough. Both players have ties to Liverpool, a club where Henderson spent over a decade of his career.
If Henderson does return to Sunderland and helps guide them to promotion, he could find himself playing in the Premier League once again – and potentially even in front of the Anfield faithful sooner than expected.
Such a move would not only mark a new chapter in Henderson’s career but also bring him closer to home and to the fans who have supported him since his early days at Sunderland.
