'Jordan Henderson will go back to Sunderland' - Midfielder tipped for Wearside return

Darren Bent believes Jordan Henderson will already be eying up a return to Sunderland, where he will want to finish his career.

Henderson and Bent were teammates in a successful Sunderland team under Steve Bruce before the homegrown midfielder was sold to Liverpool.

He went on to have a stunning career at Anfield, captaining the club to a Premier League title and a Champions league success.

Henderson signed for Ajax this month after an ill-advised move to Saudi Arabia, but Bent says he has no doubt he wants a Wearside return soon.

Speaking on Lord Ping: Red or Black, Bent said: “I expect that Henderson will go back to Sunderland before he retires, perhaps after his time with Ajax.

“It's his club, where he came through and where his family are based. That's a club that's in his heart.

“He keeps himself in great shape and I think he'd like a return to Sunderland before he hangs up his boots. He's had a fantastic career and I'm sure he's not done just yet.”

There can be little doubt that Henderson’s reputation has taken something of a battering of late due to his decision to move to Saudi Arabia.

That episode in his career is now behind him following his escape to Ajax, and Bent expects his England career will keep on going too despite vocal public criticism.

“I always knew that he'd have a great career in football because of his work ethic,” he said. “The fact that he's gone on to captain one of the biggest clubs in the world and win absolutely everything with them is a huge credit to him.

“He had tough times to replace Steven Gerrard when he went to Liverpool, but he has stayed mentally strong and worked hard to be a key member of that squad.

“I think Henderson will be at the Euros for England, I think Gareth Southgate trusts him and he was being picked even when he was playing in Saudi Arabia.

“He's now playing at one of the biggest clubs in Europe, Ajax, so he's 100% going to be on the plane to the Euros.

“I'm not sure if he will start, but Southgate will pick him in the squad because of his experience after going to several tournaments, he was Liverpool captain for so long and his calming influence has been key to England's success.

“He's a good role model for the younger players and Southgate trusts him fully. Henderson will definitely be on the plane if he is fit, and he might even start alongside Declan Rice if he has a good season with Ajax.

“I know Jordan personally and it was really hard for his family to settle. The Euros may have played a slight role in him leaving Saudi but it was more his family.

“The fact that he's come back and gone to Ajax, playing in a technical league, is a fantastic move for him and he's come back to a top club.

“Henderson will have had a conversation with Gareth Southgate and Gareth will really like his move to Ajax. Him playing in the Dutch league will only help England.

“Jordan is strong-minded and he wouldn't have let the booing at Wembley affect him, though it may have hurt him. We all want England to do well so we need to get behind them and booing him at times doesn't help the situation.

“He's come back, the Saudi situation should be put to bed, he's back in Europe and playing for a top club so he can hopefully kick on and play a big part for England in the Euros.”

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