BBC NEWS: “Bit ambitious”: doubts placed on Jordan Henderson’s Sunderland AFC homecoming.

This post is part of Football League World’s ‘Terrace Talk’ series, which features personal comments from FLW Fan Pundits on breaking news, teams, players, managers, possible signings, and more.

Jordan Henderson’s struggles with Ajax in the Eredivisie have sparked speculation about a possible return to his former club, Sunderland.

According to The Sun, the former Liverpool midfielder may return to Wearside in January after leaving the club for Merseyside in 2011.

Henderson returned to Europe in January after leaving Anfield for Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia. However, he has only played five times for Francesco Farioli’s club in domestic competition this season.

Sunderland fan commentator Jack Austwicke shared his thoughts on the rumored reunion with local talent and his probable role in Regis Le Bris’ plans.

Questions are raised about Jordan Henderson’s ties to Sunderland.

According to The Sun, Henderson is being pursued by both Sunderland and other Premier League clubs.

At 34 years old, the former England international still has what it takes to perform at the highest level, even if he hasn’t been afforded many opportunities to do so during his nine months in Amsterdam.

The Sunderland-born star made his professional debut for his hometown club in November 2008, coming off the bench at halftime in a 5-0 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. He later played 79 times for the Mackems before joining Liverpool.

However, having departed the Reds for the Middle East last summer, Austwicke is unsure whether the Black Cats supporters would be won over by the midfielder’s return, despite the apparent skill he would bring to the team.

The Black Cats fan commented, “Jordan Henderson is a weird one because clearly he is revered in the region of Sunderland, being a Mackem guy.

“He climbed through the ranks and did really well, earning a large money move to Liverpool, where he is arguably best remembered today.

Jordan Henderson’s 2024/25 campaign at Ajax (Soccerbase)
(Eredivisie appearances only)
Appearances	5
Starts	2
Substitute	3
Unused substitute	1
(Figures correct as of October 7th, 2024)

“I think the tough thing with Hendo is, after his Saudi move, which was very conflicting given what our rivals are doing just up the road, there is also the morality question: should he have done that? Probably not.”He was slated a lot for that by our fans, but if you can try and move that into the past you still have a good player for the Championship, I don’t care what anyone says.”

 

Sunderland must strive hard to defeat Premier League competition for Jordan Henderson.

Henderson has made 360 Premier League games for Liverpool over a 12-year period, making him a highly sought-after player if available in January.

While a return to Anfield is unlikely, he may still help the majority of top-flight clubs, with his passing range and intensity in the middle of the park sure to benefit whatever team he joins.

With that in mind, Austwicke remains realistic about his team’s chances of convincing the Mackem youngster to come home, no matter how much of a fantasy narrative it is.

The Sunderland supporter went on to say, “Jordan Henderson is still a terrific player to have in the Championship, and I believe it would be a good transfer.

“I also think it may be a bit ambitious for anyone in the Championship to pursue, since I believe there is a player in there.

“I still think he is someone who could go to a team like Brighton or Brentford – something like that – rather than the Championship.”