Pundit delivers ‘inspired’ verdict amid Jordan Henderson Sunderland rumours
Carlton Palmer believes it would be an “inspired signing” should Sunderland be able to conclude a deal to bring Jordan Henderson back to the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland’s impressive start to the campaign has potentially heightened the importance of the upcoming January transfer window and Henderson is one of the players to be linked with a move to the club.
The highly decorated Englishman came through Sunderland’s academy before moving on to Liverpool to win it all with the Premier League giants and he is currently with Ajax after a short stint in Saudi Arabia.
However, a return could be on the cards and former England midfielder Palmer believes it would be a good move.
In an interview with Football League World (15 October), Palmer said: “I think he’d be an inspired signing. Listen, I don’t blame Henderson for doing what he did by moving to Saudi, he was offered an awful lot of money and I don’t think there are many people who would’ve turned that opportunity down.
“Henderson is a fit lad, he’s a role model, he’s a leader and with the young players they’ve got at Sunderland, I think it’d be an inspired signing.
“With the young players they’ve got in (Jobe) Bellingham and (Chris) Rigg – you’ve got to be careful with Rigg and how many games he plays – with the experience of Henderson, who is brilliant in the dressing room and around the players, I don’t think it would hinder their development.”
Jordan Henderson signing would be a win-win situation for Sunderland
It is hard to see a situation where Henderson’s return would hurt the fantastic start that Regis Le Bris’ side have made.
He is a player first and foremost with as much experience in English football as you could ask for, having won almost everything there is to win with Liverpool.
Henderson captained his side for much of that success and consistently showed his leadership qualities, which could benefit Sunderland and the current players.
Of course, Henderson is also a Sunderland supporter who knows the club and its fanbase inside out which is another crucial factor to consider with this signing.
Players such as Dan Neil would undoubtedly benefit massively from having someone like Henderson around the training ground each day not only in regards to leadership ability but pure footballing ability as well.
Whilst it has been reported that Sunderland may face challenges when attempting to secure his signature, it would be a huge signing if the club can get it over the line.
In other Sunderland news, Kristjaan Speakman said the “really incredible” period Regis Le Bris had with Lorient brought him to the attention of Sunderland
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