Alious
Jordan Henderson may be on the brink of a fairytale return to his roots after Ajax informed the veteran midfielder he is free to leave the club this summer. The Dutch outfit has decided to part ways with the England international, paving the way for a potential comeback to newly promoted Premier League side Sunderland.
What’s Happening?
According to *The Daily Mirror*, Henderson has been told he is not in the future plans of incoming Ajax head coach John Heitinga. With Ajax keen to slash their wage bill—Henderson currently earns £100,000 per week—the Eredivisie giants are prepared to let the 34-year-old depart without demanding a transfer fee.
This decision has ignited speculation about a return to the Stadium of Light, where Henderson began his professional career. With Sunderland back in the Premier League and reportedly set to lose rising star Jobe Bellingham, the club is actively seeking a seasoned midfielder to fill the void. Henderson, a boyhood Sunderland fan and former captain, is seen as an ideal candidate.
The Bigger Picture
Ajax’s choice to offload Henderson is part of a broader financial restructuring, spurred by a cascade of bonus payouts tied to their return to the UEFA Champions League. Shedding high earners is now a priority in Amsterdam.
For Sunderland, bringing in a player of Henderson’s caliber would not only inject invaluable top-flight experience but also serve as a rallying point for fans. The club expressed interest in the England midfielder as far back as December 2024, and the timing now seems ripe for a move.
From a national team perspective, Henderson remains very much in the picture. England boss Thomas Tuchel has reportedly assured the former Liverpool captain that he’s still being considered for the 2026 World Cup, provided he continues to perform and stays in peak condition. His recent involvement in England’s 1–0 win over Andorra further highlights his ongoing international relevance.
Why It Matters for Sunderland
Sunderland’s interest in Henderson is also seen as part of a broader contingency plan in light of Borussia Dortmund’s pursuit of Jobe Bellingham. While the Championship play-off winners turned down a €25 million (£21m) offer for the teenage sensation, the expectation is that Bellingham will eventually make a move this summer.
Replacing him with a seasoned campaigner like Henderson could be crucial to Sunderland’s hopes of avoiding relegation in their first season back in the Premier League. Manager Regis Le Bris would undoubtedly value Henderson’s leadership and experience, although matching his current salary could be a major hurdle in negotiations.
What’s Next for Henderson?
Jordan Henderson will be back in action soon, as he prepares to feature for England in a friendly against Senegal on Tuesday, June 10. His immediate future may still be up in the air, but with Ajax officially opening the door for his exit, a homecoming to Sunderland is now a real possibility.
Alious
