Sunderland Consider Reunion With This Veteran English Midfielder: Why They Must Bring Him Back | OneFootball

After years of turmoil and despair, Premier League football will illuminate the Stadium of Light. Having scripted a dramatic top-flight return defeating Sheffield United in the playoff final, Sunderland are considering a summer reunion with Jordan Henderson, 14 years since his departure. They are also determined to retain in-demand Jobe Bellingham, The Guardian understands.

The England international was in attendance to cheer for his boyhood club in the Wembley showdown. His impressive stint with Ajax brought the Dutch giants back to the Champions League despite a disastrous title collapse to PSV Eindhoven. However, the exit of head coach Francesco Farioli could now see him part ways with De Godenzonen amid the rumours of joining the Black Cats.

Henderson progressed through Sunderland’s academy ranks before earning a regular first-team status from the 2009-10 season. He joined Liverpool in the summer of 2011 and eventually succeeded Steven Gerrard as the club skipper, overcoming early struggles. He led them towards conquering all the major trophies during Jurgen Klopp’s regime, and after 12 years and 492 appearances, the midfield veteran left for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq for £12m in July 2023.

LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 24: Jobe Bellingham of Sunderland smiles as he celebrates victory and subsequent promotion to the Premier League following the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Final match between Sheffield United and Sunderland at Wembley Stadium on May 24, 2025 in London, England. This weekend’s EFL play-off matches at Wembley will all kick-off one minute late, to raise awareness for the ‘Every Minute Matters’ campaign, which aims to encourage people to learn CPR. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Why Sunderland Must Bring Back Henderson

However, Henderson could not continue for more than six months and mutually terminated his contract. Ajax snapped him up on a Bosman, and his mastery in midfield helped them revive the lost charm. Although he will be 35 next month, England boss Thomas Tuchel has recalled him for the upcoming international fixtures. His fitness, high work ethic, profound experience, and expertise as a deep-lying playmaker should help the Wearsiders retain their Premier League status.

What’s Next For Bellingham

Meanwhile, Sunderland are sweating over Bellingham’s future, who could follow in his elder brother Jude’s footsteps to leave for the Bundesliga. The 19-year-old versatile midfield prodigy has been the mainstay since his switch from Birmingham City a couple of summers ago and has now jetted out to Germany to discuss terms with Eintracht Frankfurt.

Bellingham is also drawing interest from RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund, but Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, the Black Cats owner, is desperate to hold off the teenage sensation. He has three more years left on his contract, and the club, therefore, are in a position to play hardball. Mackems would ideally like to see a blend of youth and experience in midfield if Bellingham and Henderson are paired up in the centre of the pitch.