Sunderland have been linked with a shock move for former star Jordan Henderson over the last week.
Jordan Henderson left Sunderland in 2011 for Premier League powerhouse Liverpool, for whom he enjoyed tremendous success.
The midfielder captained the Reds as they won their first-ever Premier League trophy and yet another Championship League.
The 34-year-old has endured a rough 12 months or so since departing Anfield, however, and is currently plying his trade in the Netherlands with Ajax.
With the Englishman struggling for regular minutes in the league since his switch to the Eredivisie, Henderson has transfer interest from England ahead of the winter window opening, with Sunderland reportedly keen on a loan deal.
Despite previously excelling in England with Liverpool though, some Sunderland fans are not keen on a Henderson return, making their feelings on a potential move very clear on social media over the last week.
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Will Sunderland sign Jordan Henderson from Ajax
Now, Sunderland AFC News has spoken exclusively to Dutch football expert Michael Statham regarding Henderson and a potential return to the Stadium of Light.
Statham squashed the rumours about Henderson not getting any game time. He explained how he plays a rotation role in the side with Ajax poised for a long season with a lot of games.
As for a Sunderland reunion, Statham suggested that any transfer would likely take place in the summer, rather than in January.
He said: “Without a doubt for Henderson, his wages must be amongst the highest an Eredivisie club has ever paid out. He is expensive, and I know as well regarding a move; Henderson at the moment is happy at Ajax, he’s a professional and will do his best for the club.
“But I know that, say, a move back to Sunderland would be interesting for him, given his tax-breaker if you like, it would come back into effect, and he would not lose money by going back to play in the UK.
“I wouldn’t have that Ajax would let go of Henderson in January. I think it’s much more likely to happen in the summer.
“I think when he does eventually leave Ajax, I think he’ll go back to England and finish his career there. Maybe a bit of an emotional move for him. He’ll probably return to a club that he adores very much.”
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Why Sunderland move for Jordan Henderson makes sense
For the most part, Sunderland fans seem to believe that a Henderson return would hamper the likes of like Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg.
The duo have excelled this term and will need to continue receiving regular starts in order to further their development.
Given Henderson is such a big name, it is easy to see why fans may fear his return would hamper the duo and more young Sunderland stars.
However, given his age and the fact it is his boyhood club, Henderson may well be happy to take up a fringe role that sees his primary focus offering off-field support and passing down years of experience to the likes of Bellingham.
Henderson has previously been a key leader for England and Liverpool and the knowledge he has could prove very valuable to the next generation of Sunderland talent.