Ajax hand Sunderland boost over Jordan Henderson return in January | OneFootball

The England international has been linked with a move back to the Stadium of Light

Ajax will reportedly not prevent Jordan Henderson from returning to his former club Sunderland, should the midfielder wish to depart the Eredivisie giants this January.

That's according to Football Insider, who report that the Black Cats are working on a deal to bring their former midfielder back to the Stadium of Light, in an effort to solidify their promotion bid.

Since joining Ajax on a free transfer from Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ettifaq last January, the former Premier League winner and England international has made 24 appearances for the Dutch side, where he is currently under contract until 2026.

Football Insider have revealed that the Black Cats could offer the 34-year-old a short-term deal until the end of the season, with a 12-month extension option.

Henderson could bolster Sunderland's promotion push

The Black Cats have made a strong start to the season, and currently sit top of the Championship table after nine games played, having won six games, and a total of 19 points.

With new manager Regis Le Bris at the helm, the Stadium of Light outfit boast genuine promotion credentials, which the addition of Henderson would only improve.

During his Liverpool days, the former Reds captain established a status as a serial winner, and lifted one FA Cup, one Premier League title, two EFL Cups and even the Champions League trophy, as well as guiding the Merseyside giants to UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup victories.

While his illustrious trophy cabinet speaks volumes about the Englishman's footballing ability, his dressing room presence could also prove vital towards the Black Cats' push for a Premier League return.

The North East outfit have not plied their trade in the top flight since they were relegated to the Championship in 2017, and also spent four successive seasons in League One, before returning to the second tier in 2022.

While the Black Cats did land a Championship play-off spot following an impressive 2022/23 season, the current campaign could provide them with their best chance yet of making a Premier League comeback.

Henderson was at the forefront of a Liverpool leadership group who enjoyed one of the best periods in the club's rich history under the management of Jurgen Klopp and could hand over such a wealth of experience to a Black Cats squad who are vying for promotion.

While he is 34 years old, and his best days are clearly in the past, Henderson could prove to be a shrewd addition for Le Bris and co amid the battle for Premier League football.

Furthermore, it could be argued that a player who has made five Eredivisie outings as well as seven Europa League appearances, including qualifiers, this season is still capable of proving himself to be one of the best midfielders in the Championship, not least because he made his most recent Premier League appearance less than 18 months ago.

Henderson's career could have a fairytale ending

The England international, of course, began his career with boyhood club Sunderland back in 2008, before enduring a 2008/09 loan spell with Coventry City.

He was then a regular feature for the Black Cats during both the 2009/10 and 2010/11 seasons before making his big move to Anfield, where he enjoyed the majority of his career and plenty of success.

While many questioned Henderson's move from Anfield to the less prestigious Saudi Pro League, no one could deny that Henderson making a return to the Stadium of Light and winning promotion with his first club following an illustrious career would be one of football's feel-good stories.