Sunderland need to fill the hole left by Bellingham and Henderson could be the ideal experienced replacement
Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson could be on the verge of a sensational return to his boyhood club Sunderland, after the newly-promoted club agreed a deal for 19-year-old Jobe Bellingham to join Borussia Dortmund.
Henderson has been told he can leave Amsterdam on a free transfer this summer, following confirmation that he is no longer part of Ajax’s plans. New head coach John Heitinga is eager to clear the player’s £100,000-a-week salary from the books, according to The Mirror.
Henderson’s availability comes at a key moment for Sunderland, who have just earned promotion back to the Premier League but will lose rising star Jobe Bellingham. The club have accepted a £32 million bid from Borussia Dortmund, after the England U19 midfielder made it clear that he would love to follow in the footsteps of his older brother Jude, who now plays for Real Madrid but also moved from England to Dortmund in 2020.
The Black Cats need to fill the hole left by the player and Henderson could be the ideal experienced replacement they need to stabilise in the top flight.
The ex-Liverpool captain’s return has been discussed internally at Sunderland since December 2024, and with Ajax under financial pressure, Henderson’s exit could be imminent. Though the midfielder’s wages may be a sticking point, Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris is reportedly keen on the leadership and experience he would bring to a young squad.
England head coach Thomas Tuchel has also given Henderson a lifeline, reassuring him he remains in contention for the 2026 World Cup if he maintains fitness and playing time. His recent appearance in England’s 1-0 win over Andorra is a testament to the value he still has at the international level.
