“All for it” – Sunderland told to seal dream transfer deal for 83-cap international midfielder
Sunderland Urged to Re-Sign Jordan Henderson After Premier League Return
Following their dramatic Championship play-off final win at Wembley, Sunderland have been tipped to bring former player Jordan Henderson back to the club as they prepare for life in the Premier League once again.
The Black Cats secured promotion in sensational fashion, with teenage winger Tommy Watson scoring in stoppage time to seal a 1-0 win over Sheffield United.
It marked the club’s return to the top flight after an eight-year absence and capped off an impressive campaign under new boss Régis Le Bris.
As the club gears up for what is expected to be a pivotal summer transfer window, speculation is growing around a potential reunion with Henderson — who was in the stands at Wembley to watch his boyhood club’s triumphant return.
A Return for Henderson?
Henderson, a product of Sunderland’s academy, made 79 first-team appearances before leaving for Liverpool in 2011.
He went on to enjoy a decorated career at Anfield, captaining the Reds to Champions League and Premier League titles while becoming a key figure for England.
After a brief and underwhelming stint with Saudi side Al-Ettifaq in 2023, the 34-year-old joined Dutch giants Ajax in January 2024.
Despite making 45 appearances for the Eredivisie club, he is widely expected to move again this summer — and a return to Wearside now seems a genuine possibility.
His presence at Wembley has reignited talk of a homecoming, with fans and pundits alike backing the idea.
Fan Pundit: Henderson Could Be Vital for Sunderland
Sunderland fan and Football League World pundit Jordan Newcombe believes Henderson’s wealth of top-flight experience would make him a valuable asset for the newly promoted squad.
“Henderson is a great player. The only concerns are his age and pace,” Newcombe said. “But his Premier League and international experience could be a huge benefit — especially if we can bring him in on a low-cost deal.”
While Newcombe admits Henderson wouldn’t be his first-choice signing, he’s open to the move: “He’s a born-and-bred Mackem.
He knows the club inside out, and just having someone with his experience in training and the dressing room could be a massive influence on the younger players.”
A Perfect Fit?
Sunderland’s current squad is packed with promising young talent, but lacks the top-level experience needed to survive and thrive in the Premier League.
Henderson would bring leadership, know-how, and a winning mentality to a squad still developing under Le Bris.
The club has already been linked with a move for him in the past. Back in October, Football Insider reported Sunderland were exploring a deal to bring him back in the January transfer window — though that move never materialised.
Now, with promotion secured and Henderson reportedly open to a return home, the timing may finally be right.
What Comes Next?
Le Bris will need to strengthen his squad significantly this summer to cope with the demands of the Premier League.
Former Sunderland defender Wes Brown previously warned the club would need to “change the whole team” if they went up — and reinforcements are now expected across multiple positions.
If Henderson is willing to take on the challenge, a move back to Sunderland would make sense for all parties.
It would allow him to settle closer to home, potentially stay in the frame for England selection ahead of the 2026 World Cup, and help guide a young team through one of the toughest leagues in world football.
For Sunderland, bringing back a hometown hero could add more than just talent — it could provide a leadership spark crucial to Premier League survival.
