(Credit: Hasan Karim)
(Credit: Hasan Karim)
Match

Sunderland news round-up: Jordan Henderson update as striker transfer ready

Alex Charlton
Alex Charlton

Alex is a lifelong Sunderland supporter who's been reporting on Mackem News since April 2025. Indeed, he started working for Breaking Media in April and has since graduated from St Mary's University as a NCTJ Gold Standard-accredited journalist, having completed his Master's degree in Sports Journalism. Alex previously worked for Football League World and has featured on the Roker Report, providing his opinion on all things Sunderland. While getting to the games is tricky, given his job, one of the highlights of his life was watching (and crying) as the Black Cats defeated Sheffield United at Wembley Stadium last season.

Published on: 

Sunderland and the other promoted clubs are already feeling the adverse effects of the Premier League.

Jobe Bellingham and Tommy Watson have already departed the Stadium of Light, while Burnley have lost CJ Egan-Riley, who rejected a new contract.

However, Jordan Henderson has been linked with a remarkable return to the North East after a 14-year absence from Wearside.

Elsewhere, the Black Cats have lined up a 21-goal striker, and an exciting new documentary is set to be released.

Jobe Bellingham Sunderland
Bellingham joined Bundesliga outfit Borussia Dortmund (Credit: Imago)

Mackem News have rounded up the latest news on Thursday, 12 June.

Henderson allowed to leave Ajax after transfer update

Ajax are willing to let Henderson leave on a free transfer, paving the way for a return to his boyhood club, Sunderland.

The Amsterdam club have made that decision in the hope that the Black Cats will approach the 34-year-old.

Given that Henderson still has another year remaining on his current deal, it seems Ajax want him off their wage bill.

The midfielder is not in new manager Johnny Heitinga's plans, although it is not known if Sunderland will make a move.

Jordan Henderson
Henderson has captained Ajax during his time in the Netherlands (Credit: Imago)

Sunderland line up goal machine to challenge Mayenda and Isidor

It looks as though the Black Cats could replace one Ukrainian striker with another, with Nazariy Rusyn set to depart Sunderland.

The 26-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Hadjuk Split, where he failed to score a single goal.

Now, Sunderland want to replace him with Vladyslav Vanat, who bagged 21 goals and nine assists for Dynamo Kyiv last season.

Vladyslav Vanat's 2024/25 Ukranian Premier League statisticsTotal
Appearances28
Goals17
Goal conversion35%
Assists4
Penalty goals2/2
Successful dribbles1.3 (73%)
Vanat has an exceptional goal conversion rate (Sofascore)

Vanat appears to be a realistic option for Regis Le Bris' side and has a reported release clause of around £16.9million.

Nazariy Rusyn, Sunderland
Nazariy Rusyn is no longer needed by Sunderland (Credit: Imago)

Sunderland to release Championship play-off documentary

The North East club are renowned for their 'Sunderland 'Til I Die' documentary and have released another one.

Sunderland's new documentary 'Til The End' will showcase the Wearsiders' play-off campaign, including the matches against Coventry City and Sheffield United.

It is now on YouTube and will show highlights and behind-the-scenes footage.

The Black Cats released a clip on the X platform (12 June), giving supporters a sneak peek of dressing room film.

Championship
Jordan Henderson
Vladyslav Vanat
www.mackemnews.com