Jordan Henderson has distanced himself from rumors that he could be set for a return to Sunderland.
The Englishman was previously promised a spectacular homecoming with the Black Cats, where he began his career after struggling for game time at current club Ajax at the start of the season
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Henderson signed for the Dutch giants in January after a short but controversial spell at Saudi Pro League club Al Ettifaq, who he joined when he left Liverpool in July 2023.
But the 34-year-old’s time in Amsterdam has been anything but easy as he was sidelined by injury for over a month last season before his playing time was limited at the start of this season.
By mid-October, Henderson had only played two league games, leading to him being linked with a move back to England.
It was reported that both Premier League and Championship sides were on alert over a potential transfer in January.
Among the alleged suitors was Sunderland, where Henderson started as a professional in 2008 and is currently in the Championship race for promotion and sits fourth in the table.
But the former Reds captain now appears to have ruled out a return to Wearside in the upcoming transfer window as he has expressed a desire to stay at Ajax.
According to the Sunderland Echo, Henderson is quoted as saying: “It’s my club.” [Sunderland]since I was a boy of six or seven.
“Then I was in the stands. But I just hope I stay here (at Ajax). I really like it here.
“I want to help the club continue to grow. We are also taking these steps. But I also read it [the transfer speculation]. I don’t even know where it all came from because there was no contact.”
Henderson has recently enjoyed a resurgence in the Eredivisie side, starting 10 of a possible 14 games in all competitions since appearing to fall out of favor in October.
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And while a move back home may not be an option for the England international, his former teammate Darren Bent previously supported the idea.
The pair played together at the Stadium of Light between 2009 and 2011. During this time, Henderson established himself as a promising young player, prompting Liverpool to spend £20 million to secure his services.
This was the start of a hugely successful 12-year period for the midfielder, who went on to captain the club at Anfield and lead the Reds to both the Premier League and Champions League.
Speaking on The Pitch Prospect Drive in October, Bent said of Henderson’s possible return to English football: “I just think a return to Sunderland makes sense, you know what I mean?”
“That’s his club, that’s where he started, that’s where I played with him and I’m sure the fans would love him too.”
“He had an incredible career if you look back, what he won, what he did, he competed for England, he had an incredible career.”
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“I think it’s almost like a homecoming for the Sunderland fans and I think it would be really nice for him to go there.”
Henderson’s contract with Ajax runs until the summer of 2026, with the Amsterdam team currently in second place in the Eredivisie table, six points behind leaders PSV.