For some very young Sunderland supporters, next season could be the first time they’ve ever seen their side compete in the luxuries of the Premier League.
It has been nearly a decade since the Black Cats called the top-flight their footballing home, with the Wearside outfit even falling all the way down to League One at one disastrous stage after their relegation from the big time in 2017.
Now, however, after an unbelievable playoff final success at Wembley against Sheffield United, Regis Le Bris’ men are back on the map.
They won’t want to merely make up the numbers next season, though, and be known as relegation fodder, with a statement move on the table to bring back Jordan Henderson just one early indicator of how ambitious they are willing to be in the chaotic transfer market.
Sunderland's ongoing pursuit of Henderson
Henderson’s potential emotional return to Wearside is the talk of the town at the moment around the Stadium of Light as various rumours filter through about the current Ajax midfielder’s near future.
Football Insider have recently reported that a spectacular reunion deal could soon be on the cards, with the likes of journalist Ben Jacobs also weighing in by revealing on X that the newly promoted side are considering an approach.
Of course, this would be an ideal move for Sunderland as they try to consolidate themselves as a Premier League-ready outfit again, considering the former Liverpool captain has managed to amass 433 top-flight appearances across his esteemed playing days to date.
But, at 34 years of age, it would be unfair for Le Bris and Co. to expect Henderson to come in and not look a little rusty.
Therefore, whilst it would be a stunning coup to pull off with a Sunderland-born star dramatically returning home, landing this attacking menace could well be viewed as an even bigger accomplishment considering he’s still causing Premier League defenders havoc to this day.
One Sunderland return would be a bigger coup than Henderson
Amazingly, this other deal churned out by the rumour mill sees the Black Cats linked with another memorable ex-player.
Much like Henderson’s spell, Amad Diallo’s loan stint at the Stadium of Light was fleeting but hard to forget, with the Ivorian nearly firing Sunderland up to the Premier League during his solitary campaign under Tony Mowbray’s guidance.
He could finally return now – as per a report by African outlet 225 Foot earlier this week – with his expertise of the Premier League on the books of Manchester United making it very likely that he would add to his Black Cats tally of 14 goals and four assists if a statement reunion occurred.
Amad finally being able to nail down a starting spot at Old Trafford could make this deal an unrealistic one to get over the line. That said, a recent report from TEAMTalk did suggest that United could be tempted to part ways with their explosive winger if the price was right, amidst financial concerns at the Theatre of Dreams.
24/25
Man United
43
11
9
23/24
Man United
12
2
1
21/22
Sunderland
42
14
4
It’s clear from the table above why United would be so hesitant to part ways with their attacking “wizard” – as he’s been previously lauded by journalist James Copley – with Amad just fresh off his career best tally at the Red Devils of 20 goal contributions from 43 clashes, even as the ship keeps sinking in Manchester.
Yet, if Sunderland were to offer a tempting bid around Amad’s £40m Football Transfers valuation, the out-of-sorts giants could be more drawn to the idea of selling, with a top-drawer performer at the level then on the Black Cats’ roster.
The story of Henderson’s Sunderland return after so long away would make that a fantastic deal to sign off on, but whilst the 34-year-old’s best days in the challenging league are likely behind him, the tricky 22-year-old could get even better with time.
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