Sunderland are being linked with a sensational return for former player Jordan Henderson.
Jordan Henderson is now at Ajax following his brief stint in Saudi Arabia with Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq.
The former England and Liverpool star spent just six months in the Saudi Pro League following his controversial Liverpool exit in 2023.
But the Sunderland academy graduate, now 34, returned to Europe with Dutch giants Ajax in January 2024, signing a two-and-a-half year deal.
Recent reports have claimed that Sunderland are exploring a possible return for Henderson ahead of the January transfer window.
But Sunderland fans don’t seem keen on Henderson returning to the Stadium of Light, preferring the club’s current midfield options instead.
Ajax boss Francesco Farioli has spoken out on Henderson amid his links to Wearside, giving a somewhat cryptic answer with regards to the midfielder’s future at the club.
How much does Jordan Henderson earn at Ajax amid Sunderland links
Upon his move to Al-Ettifaq in 2023, it was widely reported at the time that Henderson was set to earn a staggering £350,000-a-week in wages.
But there’s since been complications over his tax given the fact that Henderson didn’t spend two years in Saudi, which reports speculate determined Henderson’s decision to move to Europe last January, rather than returning to England.
With Ajax, it’s claimed that Henderson earns £3.86million every year in salary, or around £74,000-a-week.
Henderson also received £1.28million in signing fees, per reports in the Netherlands.
It marks a huge pay cut for Henderson following his stint in Saudi Arabia. But his current wage still dwarfs that of any Sunderland player.
Per Capology, Dan Ballard is the highest-earning Sunderland player right now, earning £25,000-a-week.
Money may not be a factor for Jordan Henderson in next move
Henderson no doubt made himself a fortune during his 12 years at Liverpool, and he’ll no doubt, eventually, receive a huge sum of money for his time spent in Saudi Arabia.
He’s still earning a huge wage with Ajax as well, so for Henderson in the twilight of his career, money may not be the deciding factor.
That said, Sunderland fans just aren’t sold on the idea of Henderson returning, even should he accept a huge pay cut to return.
Sunderland have good options in midfield as it is and Henderson coming into the first-team squad may impede the development of names like Chris Rigg.
Should the Black Cats earn promotion this season, then a summer move for Henderson, simply to bolster ranks with Premier League experience, may make a lot more sense.