Jordan Henderson reacts as Sunderland transfer news announced today
Jordan Henderson knows what it feels like to leave your boyhood club after joining Liverpool from Sunderland back in 2011.
Henderson admitted it was tough to leave Sunderland, as it was the club he had supported for all of his life.
And then when he joined Brentford, Henderson reiterated his love for the Black Cats, stating he owes a lot to the club.
However, before that, there were links for the England international to return to Wearside.
Many fans would have loved to see the Premier League and Champions League-winning player come back to the Stadium of Light, with Sunderland supporters confused as to why a move never came to fruition in the summer.
While the return of an academy graduate at the swansong of his career would have been a nice story, fans are now left with an emotional ending for another boyhood fan.
Jordan Henderson reacts to Dan Neil’s Sunderland exit
Henderson left Ajax in the summer, making a return to the Premier League for the first time since the 2022-2023 season.
It all looked likely that Sunderland were in the mix to bring him back after a 14-year absence, but instead, the midfielder joined Brentford.
Sunderland did not panic, and instead, Granit Xhaka was brought in as the experienced midfielder profile they were looking for, but the idea of Henderson coming back was a nice one to think of.
Now, over a decade on, another academy-bred midfielder has left the club, with Dan Neil ending a 16-year spell for the team he supported his whole life.
If there was anyone who would understand the feelings Neil may have, it would certainly be Henderson.
The 35-year-old was quick to show his support for the now Ipswich man Neil for his efforts for the Mackems over the years.
Henderson left a like on a tribute post from the club over on Instagram, and he was not the only Sunderland affiliation to do so.
- Read more: Another Sunderland exit on the cards after Dan Neil as negotiations take place for transfer
Was Henderson snub the right one for Sunderland?
Hindsight is certainly 20/20, but the signing of Xhaka has been a major success compared to what Henderson would have brought.
The Swiss midfielder joined the club at the end of July and was immediately made captain. Additionally, besides the recent 3-1 loss to West Ham, where he was out injured, the former Arsenal midfielder has played nearly maximum minutes this season in the league.
The only other game he has not played 90 in the Premier League was the 3-0 defeat to Manchester City back in December. He was subbed off after 72 minutes.
Henderson, on the other hand, has not had the same level of availability. According to Transfermarkt, the Englishman has played just two-thirds of all available Premier League minutes for Brentford.
The romantic return would have been welcomed, but in reality, it has turned out for the better for the Black Cats.
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