James Maddison: Sunderland-linked ace ‘most underrated I’ve ever played with’
Sunderland’s transfer window is really set to heat up in the coming weeks.
Regis Le Bris has already lost Jobe Bellingham and is now looking to tie down key players to long-term contracts to avoid a similar fate.
The likes of Eliezer Mayenda and Chris Rigg have been linked with a move away from the Mackems this summer, which would be disastrous.
Sunderland, however, have also been linked with a few signings of their own.
Maddison brands Henderson ‘most underrated’
Sunderland could break their transfer record again this summer after signing Enzo Le Fee for around £20million from AS Roma.
The £28million received from the sale of Bellingham has gone a long way towards funding the Mackems’ plans, despite the hierarchy wanting to keep the youngster.
One of those continually linked with the Black Cats is boyhood Sunderland fan Jordan Henderson.
Henderson has now been branded as the “most underrated player” that Tottenham star James Maddison has ever played with.
In an Instagram story, Maddison wished the Premier League winner a happy birthday and described him as a “one of a kind human being” and a “top, top player”.
Henderson, 35, has struggled since leaving Liverpool in 2023.
The midfielder initially made the switch to Al-Ettifaq to play under Reds legend Steven Gerrard, but that didn’t work out very well.
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Eredivisie | 28 | 1 | 4 |
Henderson then made the switch back to Europe to play for Ajax, but has recently been cast out by the Dutch club, after throwing away the Eredivisie.
The Sunderland fan is expected to leave Ajax this summer, and although a deal for Henderson isn’t high up on the Mackems’ priority list, a move looks likely.
Henderson could fill huge gap in Sunderland’s midfield
Sunderland should push for Henderson’s return this summer, and given their return to the Premier League, a move may be appealing.
After losing Bellingham, Le Bris has been left with a gap in his midfield that Henderson could fill.
The 35-year-old left the Black Cats for Liverpool in 2011 and went on to captain the Reds to a Champions League and a top-flight title.
Henderson offers the young Mackems much-needed top-flight experience and leadership that will be vital to helping the Black Cats stay up.
Who knows how different the squad will look against West Ham on the first day of the Premier League season? One thing is for sure: many would love to see Henderson involved.