Jordan Henderson has said goodbye to his Ajax teammates ahead of a potential return to England.

The Three Lions regular captained the Amsterdam giants last season before his contract expired on June 30.

3



Henderson has said goodbye to his Ajax teammates and England could beckonCredit: Getty

Reports in the Netherlands claim that he was given extra time to decide on his future following the tragic death of former Liverpool teammate Diogo Jota.

Ajax confirm Jordan Henderson decision as he takes one step closer to Premier League return	Jordan Henderson LEAVES Ajax as a free agent after just one-and-a-half seasons at the Dutch giants, paving way for Premier League return	Jordan Henderson poised for Premier League return after leaving Ajax

But he has now returned to the club’s training camp in Zeist to inform the Ajax squad that he won’t be playing with them for the 2025/26 season.

As a free agent Henderson has suitors in England and abroad, but could well return to boyhood side Sunderland.

talkSPORT earlier reported in May that the Black Cats were considering re-signing their local hero following their promotion back to the Premier League.

The 35-year-old came through at the club’s academy, making 79 appearances from 2008 to 2011 before becoming the most successful captain in Liverpool’s history with eight trophy lifts on Merseyside.

The Reds would go on to cash in on Henderson in the summer of 2023, capitalising on the big spending Saudi Pro League by shipping him out for £12millon and midfield partner Fabinho for £40m.

Henderson’s landing spot was Steven Gerrard’s Al Ettifaq, but he only lasted six months with his former Liverpool skipper before giving up his contract to return to Europe that January.

Refusing to criticise the league despite his family being unhappy, Henderson soon became integral at Ajax and helped lead them back to trophy contention after years of struggle.

Arsenal officially open talks with Chelsea over shock of the transfer window so far

Leeds to become first victims of Man United's latest cost-cutting measure

Two Premier League clubs in talks with Chelsea over deal for goalkeeper Petrovic

Premier League done deals: Every completed transfer in 2025 summer window

However, he and his teammates couldn’t finish the job last season, surrendering a nine-point Eredivisie lead to PSV with five games to play to see their rivals crowned champions instead.

The England regular also faced a chaotic few days to start 2025 when reports emerged that he’d agreed a deal with Ligue 1 side Monaco at the end of the January transfer window.

3

Henderson was involved in a angry press conference exchange after his Monaco move fell throughCredit: Ziggo

3

Ajax were then involved in a humiliating title collapse under Francesco FarioliCredit: AFP

It was claimed he surrendered his captain’s armband and refused to play a Europa League clash with Galatasaray in an attempt to force the move, but Henderson angrily denied those reports in a heated ten-minute clash with journalists.

Monaco may still have an interest, as Sunderland do, while fellow Premier League side Nottingham Forest have also been linked.

Yet Sunderland would clearly be the best story - Henderson was even present at Wembley to watch his old side beat Sheffield United in the play-off final and return to the top flight.

Summing up the emotions around such a deal, club legend and former chairman Niall Quinn told talkSPORT: "It's not my business to do anything but just comment on that.

Ex-Sunderland chief discusses the prospect of Jordan Henderson returning to the club

"To see him lift that Champions League trophy, I think made everybody in Sunderland very proud."


For more news relating to Chelsea, visit our sister site Chelsea Latest Live.