Régis Le Bris has responded to speculation linking Jordan Henderson with a return to Sunderland. Football Insider reports that the Black Cats are preparing to make a move to sign the 34-year-old in the January transfer window. Henderson currently plays for Ajax in the Netherlands, where he joined in January of this year. The midfielder broke into senior football at Sunderland, spending three seasons in the first team squad before leavingleaving.
However, he might make a sensational comeback to the Wearside squad in 2025, as the club aims to return to the Premier League. Régis Le Bris denied any negotiations with the club about pursuing Jordan Henderson in the new year. While he complimented the influence of his great career, the Frenchman had a straightforward answer when asked if he had spoken with the Sunderland hierarchy about a January deal: “No,” Le Bris told The Northern Echo. “He’s clearly a strong and well-known player.
“At the minute, the transfer window is not open, so we can speak about many players but we don’t have the choice at the moment.” Football Insider has also suggested that Henderson would be open to returning to his former club. However, in a recent interview with Ajax Life, the player hinted that he could still finish his career with the Dutch giants, where he has a contract until the summer of 2026. “When my contract here expires, I’ll be 36 years old,” Henderson explained. “Then I consider how I’m physically doing and what Ajax desires. “I might end my career here. It just might be possible.”
Jordan Henderson began his career in the Sunderland academy system, making his league debut as a substitute in a 5-0 loss to Chelsea in November 2011 (all stats from Fbref). He went on loan to Coventry City in January and returned to the Black Cats in the summer of 2009, cementing himself as a key member of the first team squad. Henderson played 79 times for the club before signing for Liverpool in 2011.
However, he has struggled to get consistent playing time at Ajax, prompting speculation that he may leave in 2025. Henderson’s signing would be a show of intent from Sunderland. Sunderland has made a solid start to the current Championship season, and they are very much in contention for a top six or perhaps top two finish. Adding Henderson to the squad mid-season would be a clear statement of intent for the season. While the 34-year-old is no longer at the pinnacle of his playing career, he still has a lot to offer a Championship team.
Henderson is a very experienced leader who may be a valuable addition to a dressing room full of promising but inexperienced players.
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