Jordan Henderson lined up for shock Premier League return as two clubs look to exploit contract clause

Jordan Henderson could be in line for a return to the Premier League with a view to keeping Thomas Tuchel's attention ahead of next summer's World Cup.

Liverpool's former captain, now 35, has been playing for Ajax since a short-lived sojourn in the Saudi Pro League and was included in Tuchel's England squad for June internationals against Andorra and Senegal.

Henderson was one of the senior players in an Ajax team that suffered a sensational collapse in the Eredivisie title race in 2024-25. They were nine points clear of PSV with five matches to play but lost two and drew two to fall behind and render a last-day win futile.

According to reports, a clause in his contract could pave the way for a move away from Amsterdam and there is interest in the Premier League.

"It is understood there is a clause in the former Liverpool captain's contract which would allow him to trigger becoming a free agent before mid July and leaving the Dutch club for nothing," reports the Daily Mail.

"The 35-year-old remains a trusted component of Thomas Tuchel’s England squads and wants to play in next summer’s World Cup.

"Therefore, he has not fully decided whether it is best to leave or stay put at Ajax but clubs in England and abroad are keen to have his experience in their squad ahead of the new season."

The report identifies Marseille and Premier League high-fliers Nottingham Forest as interested parties, adding them to a list of clubs linked with Henderson this summer that also includes boyhood club Sunderland.

Jordan Henderson could return to the Premier League (Image: Getty)

The Black Cats were promoted back to the Premier League thanks to a dramatic Championship play-off final victory at Wembley last month and the suggestion of a return for Henderson emerged immediately.

He played 79 times for his home-town team before joining Liverpool in 2011.

There, he won the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup as captain and became an England regular despite his international prospects appearing to be over more than once.

Henderson now has 84 international caps and is believed to be eager to hold on to his place in order to bow out at the World Cup in 2026.

He last played in the Premier League in 2023.