“Could Jordan Henderson’s Return Save Sunderland? The Shocking Truth Behind a Potential January Move!

“Could Jordan Henderson’s Return Save Sunderland? The Shocking Truth Behind a Potential January Move!

### “Never Go Back”: A Complex Debate for Sunderland and Jordan Henderson

The saying “never go back” is a long-standing adage in football, but its truth can vary, particularly for Sunderland. For every successful return like Pop Robson, who scored crucial goals in three stints at the club, there are disappointing returns like Jermain Defoe’s ill-fated second spell in League One.

Sunderland’s history with returning players is mixed, making it difficult to assess the wisdom of their reported interest in bringing Jordan Henderson back to the Stadium of Light in January. Ajax has indicated they are willing to let the 34-year-old midfielder leave, just a year after signing him from Saudi Arabia. While Wearside sources suggest the Sunderland hierarchy has not yet decided on a move, there are growing indications that the interest is genuine.

Would re-signing Henderson, over a decade after his departure for Liverpool, make sense? Could he be the missing piece in the promotion puzzle, or would his return disrupt the squad cohesion that manager Regis Le Bris has fostered since his appointment this summer?

From a footballing perspective, can Henderson still contribute? At 34, he is not the same player who once won Champions Leagues with Liverpool and was a mainstay for the England team. His short stint in Saudi Arabia negatively impacted his national team prospects, and while he performed reasonably well with Ajax last season, starting 12 games, he has started only two Eredivisie matches this season, with most appearances coming in Europa League qualifiers.

Despite this, the Eredivisie remains a respectable league. Given Henderson’s career longevity and his potential role as a defensive midfielder—where positional awareness and stamina are more crucial than speed—he might still be able to perform effectively in the Championship.

Does Sunderland need another central midfielder? Possibly not, as Dan Neil, Jobe Bellingham, and Chris Rigg are currently the favored trio, with Alan Browne and Salis Abdul Samed available as options. However, Samed has yet to play since joining and will be sidelined for several weeks. None of Sunderland’s current midfielders offer Henderson’s specific defensive expertise, which could be valuable in tight matches, especially towards the season’s end. An experienced player like Henderson could also serve as a mentor to the younger talents on the team, reinforcing the notion that success at Sunderland can lead to greater opportunities.

However, there are potential downsides to re-signing Henderson. Financially, he would likely return as one of Sunderland’s highest-paid players, although he wouldn’t command the wages he received in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the arrival of such a high-profile figure could create distractions. The situation with Defoe, who faced scrutiny for not starting regularly during his second spell, is a cautionary tale. If Henderson isn’t a consistent starter, it could lead to similar challenges for Le Bris.

While Henderson is not the type to disrupt team dynamics, his presence would inevitably shift the balance Le Bris has worked to establish. Would Sunderland fans welcome him back? Given his past reputation, it may seem like a given, but his decision to take a lucrative contract in Saudi Arabia may have tarnished his image, especially among supporters critical of rival Newcastle’s connections to the controversial regime.

Ultimately, Henderson’s performance on the pitch would be the most significant factor, and there is a reasonable case for re-signing him despite the risks. The question remains: if only the decision were as straightforward as “never go back.”