Jordan Henderson sends two-word message as Sunderland deal done
Sunderland will have to adapt to life without Jobe Bellingham next season as they bid to preserve their Premier League status.
Regis Le Bris’ side have several talented youngsters within their ranks who played instrumental roles in the team’s promotion through the Championship play-off final.
However, the Black Cats have just lost the jewel in their crown as Bellingham’s exit has been confirmed.
After weeks of speculation, the 19-year-old has moved to Borussia Dortmund, the same club where his older brother Jude made a name for himself on the European stage.
Jordan Henderson gave Bellingham a message of support
Bellingham’s move to the Westfalenstadion brings to a close what has been a hugely valuable two years for him on Wearside.
The midfielder has transformed himself into one of the country’s brightest young prospects at the Stadium of Light, and saw his efforts rewarded this season by receiving the Championship’s Young Player of the Season award.
As part of his announcement as a Dortmund player, the club posted a video message on their official Instagram account (10 June), which featured Bellingham narrating and suggesting that his move is “not to follow in anyone’s footsteps.”
England international and former Black Cats hero, Jordan Henderson, was quick to react to the post with a message of support for Bellingham.
The 34-year-old commented on the post, saying: “Good luck!”
Henderson is linked with a return to Sunderland
Henderson knows all about how it feels to leave the Stadium of Light for a move to a top club, having swapped Wearside for Liverpool as a 20-year-old back in 2011.
| Apps | Goals | Assists |
| 71 | 4 | 9 |
The midfielder is hotly tipped for a return to the Mackems this summer following their promotion back to the top-flight, and Bellingham’s departure leaves the door open for Le Bris to potentially tweak his midfield slightly to make space for the 84-cap international.
The French boss strayed from the 4-2-3-1 formation that Sunderland had employed for large parts of the season towards the end of the campaign, but a return to that setup would allow for Henderson to slot in alongside Dan Neil, creating a much more solid base in the middle of the park.
Chris Rigg would then have to take on more creative responsibility in the more advanced midfield role, but that is something the starlet is seemingly ready for.
Henderson has come under fire at times during his career, and is far from a flashy signing at Premier League level, but he could provide ample nous and experience to what is currently a very young and unproven side.