HEND GAME
Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris provides Jordan Henderson transfer update 13 years after £20m departure to Liverpool
Two Black Cats legends have their say on a potential return
REGIS LE BRIS refused to rule out Jordan Henderson making a romantic return to Sunderland in January - but says no transfer talks are underway.
The Wearsider, 34, came through the ranks at his boyhood club before signing for Liverpool in a £20m deal in 2011.
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He went on to enjoy great success at Anfield, captaining them to the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, European Super Cup and the Club World Cup.
The England midfielder’s 12-year stay with the Reds came to a controversial end in the summer of 2023 as he headed to Saudi Arabia side Al Ettifaq for mega wages.
The move turned into a disaster as he played just 19 games for the team managed by Steven Gerrard due to his family being unable to settle in the Middle East.
Henderson headed back to Europe in January with Ajax but he has started just twice in the Dutch top-flight this term.
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That has led to his representatives allegedly trying to engineer a move back to the Stadium of Light to help Le Bris’ young squad in their promotion charge.
Ahead of Sunday’s trip to Hull City, the Black Cats boss bluntly replied “no” when asked directly whether Henderson’s name had been discussed as a potential target.
However, when asked if he was the type of player that he would like to bring in, he did not rule out a potential swoop.
The Frenchman said: “He’s obviously a strong and famous player.
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“At the minute the transfer window is not open, so we can speak about many players but we don’t have the choice at the moment.”
Sunderland legend Julio Arca certainly believes that it would be a no-brainer to snap him up if the opportunity arises.
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The 43-year-old Argentinean, who spent six years at Sunderland and helped them to the 2005 Championship title, told SunSport: “I haven’t seen Jordan play a lot recently or what standard he is at but he is someone local that has gone on to do really well.
“He did great for the club while he was here and he can bring a lot of experience to Sunderland’s young players.
“It’s good to have experienced players like that as, even if they don’t play all the time, they can help in the changing-room and in certain games.
“Some people will think that Jordan cannot play in every game, but he can bring a lot more than just the football playing side.”
Sunderland have history when it comes to reunions with ex-stars and they have produced mixed results.
Strikers Jermain Defoe and Danny Graham both endured miserable second stints with the Black Cats while the likes of Grant Leadbitter and Paul Bracewell both enjoyed further success.
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And another ex-Sunderland fan favourite Martin Gray, who came through the ranks at Roker Park to help the club win promotion in the 1990s, issued a warning to Henderson.
The 53-year-old said: “You look at his achievements since leaving Sunderland and you just think, ‘Wow, where has that come from?’
“Not many thought that he would go on to become the person he has and achieve the success he has with Liverpool and England.
“You need experience but you need energy as well.
“He could come and take some of the pressure off of the younger lads but if it doesn’t go well for you then it can leave a bit of a sour taste due to what you have achieved since you left.
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“I think it’s a big decision to make and if your legs are starting to go or you start picking up little niggles then the punters can turn on you very quickly.”
Meanwhile, Ajax manager Francesco Farioli, who took over in the summer, sung the praises of Henderson when asked about the Sunderland links but refused to confirm the veteran was staying in Amsterdam.
He said: “He is an exceptional player who possesses great quality and leadership.
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“Having captained his team to a Champions League victory, I believe he can effectively communicate the essence of a winning mentality and a strong work ethic.
“There are many valuable ways in which he can make a significant contribution to a young team like ours.”
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