Jordan Henderson is rumored to be making a surprising return to his former club, as Sunderland and several Premier League teams are monitoring the Liverpool legend’s situation…

Jordan Henderson is reportedly on the verge of a surprising return to English football, with Championship leaders Sunderland showing interest in the former Liverpool captain.

Reports suggest that Jordan Henderson could be set for a surprising comeback to his old club, with Sunderland and multiple Premier League teams showing interest in the Liverpool star.

The 34-year-old departed Anfield for Saudi club Al-Ettifaq in the summer of 2023 but spent only six months with the team managed by Steven Gerrard.

In January, Henderson transferred to Dutch powerhouse Ajax, which resulted in him missing out on significant earnings in Saudi Arabia and struggling to secure regular playing time.

Last season, he was a key player for Ajax when fit, making nine starts under interim coach John Van’t Schip.

However, since Francesco Farioli took over in the summer, Henderson has found himself sidelined in favor of other midfield options.

According to The Sun, Sunderland is among several clubs keen on bringing Henderson back to England.

The England international began his senior career with the Black Cats, making 79 appearances before moving to Liverpool in 2011.

The report suggests that potential tax complications hindered Henderson’s return to an English club earlier this year, and this issue may still be relevant.

Nonetheless, several unnamed Premier League teams are also reportedly interested in acquiring the seasoned midfielder.

Sunderland’s pursuit of Henderson is fueled by their impressive performance this season under new manager Regis le Bris, as they currently lead the Championship with 19 points from nine matches.

The Black Cats are eager to secure promotion to the Premier League after being in the second tier since 2017, and adding an experienced player like Henderson could significantly bolster their chances.

Henderson achieved eight significant accolades during his tenure at Liverpool, and this experience could be instrumental in aiding Sunderland’s pursuit of promotion should he decide to join the team.

In September, Henderson expressed his disappointment following Ajax’s losses of Carlos Forbs to Wolves and Steven Bergwijn to Al-Ittihad, indicating a strained relationship with the club’s management.

“They are two exceptional players. Every team would feel their absence,” Henderson remarked after a draw with Go Ahead Eagles.

“However, we still have other capable players who can create opportunities and pose a threat in the attacking third.

“We demonstrated that against Fortuna, but not in this match. We hope to learn from this experience. Losing one or two wingers on the final day of the transfer window is far from ideal. We have lost some quality.”

Ajax currently sits seventh in the Eredivisie standings, trailing leaders PSV Eindhoven by 14 points—a gap that may be difficult to overcome.

Sunderland players attracting interest from Manchester United

In the meantime, Sunderland is bracing for interest in some of their key players as the January transfer window approaches.

As previously noted, 17-year-old midfielder Chris Rigg has caught the attention of Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, and local rivals Newcastle.

He has participated in nine Championship matches this season, scoring two goals, with his most recent goal coming in Sunderland’s 2-2 draw against Leeds.

Sunderland is unlikely to let Rigg go for a low fee, but it is anticipated that offers for the promising young player will come in during the winter transfer window.

Additionally, Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson has received high praise this season, and Manchester United is reportedly considering a move for him.

The Red Devils are expecting back-up goalkeeper Altay Bayindir to depart and are looking to bring in Patterson as his replacement, according to reports.

Patterson has made nine appearances for Sunderland in the Championship this season, conceding only eight goals and achieving five clean sheets.