Sunderland have been told to complete an extraordinary transfer deal in the upcoming January transfer window.
Sunderland may already be looking towards the January transfer window next year, as it could be a vital refuelling point for Regis Le Bris and his side.
After a 2-2 draw against Leeds United last weekend, the Black Cats now find themselves in 1st place of the Championship table, level on points with Sheffield United in 2nd.
It come after a strong summer transfer window from Kristjaan Speakman and the Sunderland owners, with nine new players arriving at the Stadium of Light, including four signings on deadline day.
The likes of Wilson Isidor and Alan Browne have settled into the first-team squad nicely. There’s also the likes of Milan Aleksic, Salis Abdul Samed, and Ahmed Abdullahi still to make an appearance.
The midfield department in particular is well-stocked and brimming with talent, with Real Madrid target Chris Rigg having been the pick of the bunch so far.
Another name has now been linked ahead of January; former Black Cats man Jordan Henderson.
Sunderland urged to chase Jordan Henderson deal in January
Sunderland have been linked with Henderson ahead of the January, amid the former Black Cats academy man’s struggles in the Netherlands.
Henderson is failing to get regular game time at Ajax after his move from Al-Ettifaq earlier this year.
Winner of both the Champions League and Premier League with Liverpool, as captain, Henderson now appears to be at a crossroads in his career, and has growing interest from England ahead of January.
Speaking to Football League World, pundit Carlton Palmer has suggested that a return to Sunderland would be ideal for the Black Cats’ promotion chances.
Palmer said: “What a return that would be if he could go back to Sunderland.
“They’re flying high at the top of the Championship, and signing someone like Henderson could be the catalyst that sees them get back to the Premier League.
“That would be an unbelievable bit of business from Sunderland. It would be great for the supporters.”
Henderson though is facing tax difficulties right now, stemming from his time in Saudi Arabia, and it’s speculated that it played a part in him joining Ajax and not returning to England in the first place.
Palmer continued: “But we will have to watch this space because if he is under the same restrictions with the tax, I can’t see him leaving Ajax now.
“But, it would be fantastic to see him back at Sunderland, that could well see them promoted.”
Sunderland simply don’t need Jordan Henderson right now
Henderson would be a huge coup for a lot of teams in the Premier League, let alone for Speakman and Sunderland in the Championship.
Now at 34 years old, Henderson might fancy a return to where it all began, though it would of course require him taking a huge wage cut, which during all these tax issues may not be so desirable.
Le Bris though has enough good midfielders as it is. Whilst Henderson would certainly bolster the department, it would get in the way of the development of names like Rigg, Dan Neil, and Jobe Bellingham.
Those three look set to become valuable assets for the Black Cats, and it wouldn’t make sense dropping one of them to put Henderson in the side, when we don’t know if he’d even suit the style or suit the Championship.