Darren Bent backs Jordan Henderson for Sunderland 'homecoming' and says fans 'would love' his return

Jordan Henderson’s name is back on the transfer rumour mill and he is reportedly already looking for a new chapter in his career. The former Sunderland star, who is currently playing for Ajax, has been linked with a return to England and his boyhood club are one of the clubs being mentioned.

Recent reports have claimed that Henderson is considering a move away from the Eredivisie side, despite only joining in January. His desire to make another switch — which would be his third in two years — has ‘alerted’ clubs in both the Premier League and Championship.

Henderson called time on his chapter with Liverpool last summer when he made a move that divided fans of the Merseyside club. The former Reds captain signed for Al-Ettifaq, reuniting with Steven Gerrard and Georginio Wijnaldum in Saudi Arabia in a £14 million move.

Henderson’s controversial transfer saw him sign a three-year deal worth reportedly close to £350,000 per week. However, his move to the Middle East did not go to plan and his contract was terminated after just six months, as his family struggled to settle into their new life. It was also reported back in January that Henderson had not seen a penny of his wages and there was a chance he may never be paid for his brief time with Al-Ettifaq.

Henderson signed for Ajax in January but things aren’t going fully to plan there, either. The 34-year-old has played just 22 minutes in the last two Eredivisie matches and he is said to be looking for another move. A loan deal to an English club has been mentioned as a potential outcome and a return to Sunderland hasn’t been ruled out either.

Darren Bent, who played with Henderson while the Black Cats were in the Premier League, is fully behind the midfielder’s return to the Stadium of Light. The pundit told talkSPORT that a Sunderland return would be ‘almost like a homecoming’ for Henderson and the fans ‘would love’ to see it happen too.

“Going back to Sunderland makes sense. That’s his club. That’s where he started. That’s where I played with him. The fans would love him as well, and he’s had an unbelievable career. When you look back, what he’s won, what he’s done for England. He’s had an incredible career.”

Sunderland are currently leading the standings in the Championship and are pushing for promotion as well as the league title at the end of the season. Having a senior, homegrown player like Henderson in their corner would be a huge statement from the Black Cats, especially given Henderson’s impressive trophy count.

The midfielder captained Liverpool their triumphs in the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup, and he is also an experienced England international.