Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has been urged to make a stunning return to English football by re-signing for boyhood club Sunderland. The 34-year-old left the Black Cats in 2011 to move to Liverpool in a deal worth £20m.
He became the Reds’ most successful captain as he lifted six different trophies – including the Champions League and Premier League – before making a controversial move to Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq in July 2023. Henderson’s time in the Middle East was short-lived, however, as he lasted just six months with Steven Gerrard’s side before returning to Europe with Dutch giants Ajax in January.
This season, though, the former England international appears to have fallen out of favour under manager Francesco Farioli, starting just three of Ajax’s eight Eredivisie games so far. Now, Sunderland skipper Dan Neil has admitted he’d love to play alongside Henderson as he insisted the door would always be open for the midfielder to return to the Stadium of Light.
“Jordan is someone I’d love to play alongside, he’s a top-quality player who has won everything in a great career, so he’s welcome to come back if he wants,” said Neil. “He’s inspired us local lads to keep striving to emulate him.
“I got in contact with him a couple of years back, and we met for a coffee. He gave me some good advice, which I’ve kept to heart. It might be a bit nerve-wracking captaining a side with him in it, but it’s something I’d happily do.”
Sunderland have started the Championship season in impressive fashion, recording nine wins from the first 12 games of the season – including a hard-fought 2-1 victory against promotion rivals Burnley. Promotion to the Premier League could potentially set up a reunion for Henderson and Liverpool if he were to return to the Stadium of Light.
