Which former Sunderland favourite the Black Cats could sign this summer which would put them in immediate contention for promotion.
This summer is the biggest at the Stadium of Light for a few seasons. The club are still without a permanent manager with many of the Black Cats’ first-team linked away.
Stars such as Jack Clarke and Antony Patterson have both attracted interest from Premier League clubs. Jobe Bellingham was also linked to European sides such as Lazio earlier this year.
Therefore, the Sunderland owners must ensure the next three months go right or they risk the club going backwards.
However, there is one former fan favourite who looks set to become available this summer which could transform the club ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
Jordan Henderson’s Ajax future is in doubt
Jordan Henderson has had a torrid last year. After leaving Liverpool for Saudi Arabia, his stay in the Middle East did not last, as he moved to Ajax mid-season.
However, it looks as if his time in the Dutch capital is coming to an end. Journalist David Ornstein believes that his future at Ajax is uncertain after the club failed to get Champions League or Europa League football.
As a result, there is a belief that the midfielder could be available this summer.
Henderson is still an England international and is likely to be selected for the Euros. However, with the midfielder entering the twilight of his career, there may be an opportunity for Sunderland to convince the prestigious player to rejoin his hometown club.
Sunderland should do everything in their power to lure Jordan Henderson to the club
The experience Henderson could add to Sunderland would be priceless. The midfielder has won everything at club level and would add something that no other squad in the division would have.
While it may seem like a pipedream, plenty of players have dropped into the Championship after an illustrious career. Most recently, Aaron Ramsey, who is the same age as Henderson, left French giants Nice to sign for Cardiff City last summer.
If he is to depart the Dutch giants, it is unlikely that he will attract interest from a Premier League outfit. Therefore, a return to his hometown club may seem appealing.
However, a major stumbling block could be the wages. According to The Mirror, at Ajax Henderson is earning a base salary of £85,000 per week.
A massive wage cut would be needed for the transfer to be possible. However, with Henderson already earning millions throughout his career, he may accept a big salary cut to completed the move.
If Sunderland could get it over the line, the quality and leadership Henderson possesses would instantly push them higher up the table. The Black Cats’ first team is littered with young players with great potential. Adding a player of Henderson’s experience to the dressing room would only enhance their abilities for the upcoming season and beyond.
While the owners prefer to sign young and upcoming talents, if there is even a hint of interest from Henderson they must do everything in their power to bring him in. Promotion would instantly be on the cards and it would send a real statement of intent to the rest of the Championship