Jordan Henderson responds to Sunderland transfer talk amid Ajax exit rumours

The Englishman was previously tipped for a spectacular homecoming with the Black Cats, where he began his career, after struggling for game time with current club Ajax at the start of the season

Henderson signed for the Dutch giants in January following a short but controversial spell with Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq, who he had joined upon leaving Liverpool in July 2023.

But the 34-year-old's time in Amsterdam has been far from straightforward, with injury ruling him out for over a month last term, before seeing his playing time limited earlier in this campaign.

By mid-October, Henderson had started just two league games, leading to him being linked with a move back to England.

It was reported that both Premier League and Championship sides were on alert over a potential January transfer.

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Among the rumoured suitors was Sunderland, where Henderson started out as a professional in 2008, who are currently in the Championship race for promotion, sitting fourth in the table.

But the former Reds captain now appears to have ruled out a return to Wearside in the upcoming transfer window, having expressed desire to stay with Ajax.

Henderson is quoted as saying, as per the Sunderland Echo: "It's my club [Sunderland], ever since I was a boy of six or seven years old.

"Then I was in the stands. But I just hope I stay here (at Ajax). I really like it here.

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"I want to help the club to grow further. We are also taking those steps. But I also read it [the transfer speculation]. I don't even know where all this comes from, because there has been no contact."

Henderson has enjoyed a resurgence recently with the Eredivisie outfit, having started ten games out of a possible 14 in all competitions since appearing to fall out of favour in October.

And while a move back home may not be on the cards for the England international, his former teammate Darren Bent was previously supportive of the idea.

The pair played together at the Stadium of Light between 2009 and 2011, during which time Henderson established himself as a promising young player, prompting Liverpool to shell out £20million to secure his services.

This proved to the start of a hugely successful 12-year period for the midfielder, who went on to become club captain at Anfield, leading the Reds to both Premier League and Champions League glory.

Speaking on talkSPORT Drive in October, Bent said of a potential return to English football for Henderson: "I just feel going back to Sunderland makes sense, you know what I mean?

"That's his club, that's where he started, that's where I played with him, and I'm sure the fans would love him back.

"He's had an unbelievable career when you look back at what he's won, what he's done, he's competed for England, he's had an incredible career.

"So I think for Sunderland fans it's almost like a homecoming, and I think that'd be really nice for him to go there."

Henderson's contract with Ajax runs until summer 2026, with the Amsterdam outfit currently sitting second in the Eredivisie table, six points behind leaders PSV.