Jordan Henderson signs – How Sunderland could start next season
Sunderland will be working hard to bring in quality players through the door now that they are a Premier League club.
The Black Cats drew up two prospective transfer lists before the play-off final as they prepared for the summer transfer window early.
Director of football, Kristjaan Speakman, knows how to pull off a good deal and has been responsible for some major coups at the Stadium of Light.
Several players have already been linked with moves to Wearside, while Sunderland will face a battle to keep their best talent.
Sunderland could sign Jordan Henderson this summer
Now that they are a top-flight club once more, Sunderland will want to sprinkle their squad with Premier League experience.
Jordan Henderson was in attendance at Wembley Stadium to watch his boyhood club defeat the Blades 2-1.
Indeed, he has been linked with a sensational return to his former side after they secured promotion back to the big time.
| Jordan Henderson’s 2024/25 Eredivisie statistics with Ajax | Total |
| Appearances (starts) | 28 (21) |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 4 |
| Big chances created | 8 |
| Touches | 69.2 |
| Accurate passes | 51.7 (87%) |
While such a move would divide supporters, there can be no doubt about his experience and leadership, which would be vital ingredients to success.
Henderson could slot alongside captain Dan Neil in central-midfield, with Jobe Bellingham playing in front of the pair.
Of course, if Bellingham leaves Sunderland, then Enzo Le Fee can slot into the central attacking-midfield role in his absence.
Another midfielder who could join Henderson is Sheffield United’s main man Gustavo Hamer, who is likely to leave Bramall Lane this summer.
Although his natural position is the same as Bellingham’s and Le Fée’s, he can also operate on the wing.
Sunderland are said to be prioritising wingers and full-backs, meaning there is every chance Hamer could be targeted.
The Black Cats should pounce on AFC Bournemouth’s Chris Mepham
Chris Mepham has returned to AFC Bournemouth after his season-long loan with the Wearsiders.
The Welshman performed admirably throughout the campaign, even though he occupied the bench at the end of the season.
Still, that did not stop the 27-year-old making an impact in the play-off final, coming on for the stricken Luke O’Nien.
With Mr Sunderland out injured, Regis Le Bris will need defensive reinforcements and should sign Mepham permanently.
The centre-back is unlikely to be needed by the Cherries and will therefore be on the move this summer.
He has spoken about his love for the Black Cats and possesses vital Premier League experience that Le Bris needs.
Whether Sunderland will want to pursue a deal for Mepham remains to be seen, but he would be a welcome addition.