“Unbelievable bit of business” - Pundit backs Sunderland AFC deal for Jordan Henderson | OneFootball

Carlton Palmer believes it would be a real coup for Sunderland if they can bring Jordan Henderson back to the club.

Carlton Palmer believes Jordan Henderson could help fire Sunderland to promotion if he returned to his former club in the January window.

The 34-year-old midfielder is currently with Dutch giants Ajax after a short spell in Saudi Arabia, but it has been suggested that he could return to English football in the New Year.

The Sun reported that clubs in the Premier League and the Championship are monitoring the ex-England international, including Sunderland, who are a club close to Henderson’s heart, as he started out at the Stadium of Light, and is a fan of the Black Cats.

Jordan Henderson could be key for Sunderland in promotion battle

Therefore, a return to Wearside could be a fitting end to what has been a magnificent career for Henderson, who won the Premier League and Champions League with Liverpool, as well as winning 81 caps for his country.

And, speaking to FLW, pundit Palmer explained that the experienced midfielder could make all the difference to Regis Le Bris’ young side, although he did suggest that tax implications, which were thought to be a problem previously, could prevent Henderson returning to the UK.

“It’s such a shame what has happened to Jordan Henderson. This is what happens when you make the wrong decision - the wheels come off.

“It was the wrong decision for Henderson to leave Liverpool to go to Al-Ettifaq. It didn’t work out in the Saudi Pro League, so he decided to go to Ajax. He signed a two-and-a-half year contract, but it’s still gone wrong for him. He failed to make the Euro 2024 squad, and he is not featuring regularly.

“The same tax issues that prevented him from returning to England in January could be an issue again.

“He’s a very, very good player, a very good athlete, a great leader, great to have around the dressing room.

“What a return that would be if he could go back to Sunderland. They’re flying high at the top of the Championship, and signing someone like Henderson could be the catalyst that sees them get back to the Premier League. That would be an unbelievable bit of business from Sunderland. It would be great for the supporters.

“But we will have to watch this space because if he is under the same restrictions with the tax, I can’t see him leaving Ajax now. But, it would be fantastic to see him back at Sunderland, that could well see them promoted.”

Jordan Henderson would be a huge coup for Sunderland

Most would agree with Palmer’s assessment here, and Sunderland must explore whether it’s possible to sign Henderson in the New Year, as it would be the sort of deal that helps you over the line in the promotion race.

Firstly, he still has a lot to offer on the pitch, and Henderson’s know-how, positioning and quality on the ball would certainly help the likes of Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham.

But, all the Sunderland players would also benefit so much from his leadership and professionalism.

It’s well-documented just how young the squad is, so having someone with Henderson’s experience would be a dream for Le Bris, and those emerging talents in the squad would look up to the 34-year-old considering all he has achieved in the game.

Henderson would help drive standards on a day-to-day basis, and, if the pressure built during the promotion run-in, having someone like him in the side could be invaluable.

Of course, this won’t be a straightforward transfer for many reasons, but Sunderland should see if it is at all possible.

Le Bris’ side go into the October international break sitting top of the Championship after a dramatic 2-2 draw with Leeds United on Friday night.