Completing an astonishing return to Sunderland would ‘make sense’ for Jordan Henderson.
That’s the view of talkSPORT’s Darren Bent, who believes it would be like a homecoming for fans at the Stadium of Light.
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Henderson spent three years in his boyhood club’s first-teamCredit: Getty
Henderson’s career started in the Sunderland academy before he broke into the first-team picture in 2008, leaving three years later for Liverpool.
It’s a move that delivered huge amounts of success for the midfielder as, during a 12-year career at Anfield he collected a full set of major trophies – winning the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, two League Cups, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.
Henderson completed a controversial move to Saudi Arabian side Al Ettifaq in 2023 but spent just six months in the Middle East before a move to Ajax.
READ MORE ON JORDAN HENDERSON
While the 34-year-old was seen as a key signing in his first season in Amsterdam, as a leader and central figure in a young team, he has struggled in his second campaign having started just two league games.
But Bent is keen for him to rejoin his boyhood club Sunderland, who are currently flying high at the top of the Championship.
When asked on talkSPORT Drive if Henderson still has something to offer for a Premier League side, or could head back to the Stadium of Light, his former Black Cats teammate Bent was fully supportive.
“I mean, he’s 34, but I still think he could definitely do a job in the Premier League, 100 per cent – he looks after himself,” said Bent.
“I just feel going back to Sunderland makes sense, you know what I mean?
“That’s his club, that’s where he started, that’s where I played with him, and I’m sure the fans would love him back.
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Henderson went on to captain Liverpool and lead them to a number of trophiesCredit: Getty
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However, times have seemingly been tough since he left Anfield last yearCredit: Getty
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Bent, who made 57 appearances with Henderson, wants him to go back to SunderlandCredit: Getty
“He’s had an unbelievable career when you look back at what he’s won, what he’s done, he’s competed for England, he’s had an incredible career.
“So I think for Sunderland fans it’s almost like a homecoming, and I think that’d be really nice for him to go there.”
Bent was then questioned on whether or not Henderson would have any regrets about leaving Liverpool, and replied: “I think you’re always going to regret leaving a club like that.
Tim Sherwood picks Jordan Henderson over Steven Gerrard as he names his top 5 Premier League captains of all tie
“Liverpool, one of the biggest clubs in the world. I think you’ll always think, ‘Do I really want to?’ But was it [Jurgen] Klopp said that he wasn’t going to get as many minutes as he’d like?
“I think with what he’s achieved and what he’s wanted to achieve in his career, going back to Sunderland would be a really, really nice way to… not so much end it, because I still think he’s got a good three or four years left.
“He looks after himself, so he could still play when he’s 37.”
Henderson has made 12 appearances in all competitions for Ajax so far this season, but six of those were in the Europa League qualifying stages, and he’s started just three games since they booked their spot in the competition.
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Henderson recently took a trip to Liverpool’s AXA Training Centre to visit his ex-teammatesCredit: Getty
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The Reds legend was reunited with Virgil van Dijk, who replaced him as club captain following his exit to Saudi ArabiaCredit: Getty
Even though his contract runs until summer 2026, clubs are reportedly on alert amid his desire to leave.
If he was to complete a mid-season homecoming to Sunderland, for whom he previously featured 79 times, he would drop down to the Championship.
However, the Black Cats sit top of the table and are hopeful of promotion back to the Premier League for the first time since 2017.
Whilst such a move could answer questions over his club career, it remains to be seen if he will return to international football with England.
Henderson has earned 81 caps for the Three Lions but has not played since November 2023 and was absent from their Euro 2024 squad.
Jordan Henderson and Trent Alexander-Arnold moved heaven and earth to try and tempt Jude Bellingham to Liverpool.
That’s according to Conor Coady, who says that the duo were hot on the midfielder’s case at the World Cup in 2022.
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Henderson did his best to tempt Bellingham to join LiverpoolCredit: Getty
After two and a half years with Borussia Dortmund, Bellingham had the world’s top sides vying for his signature as England headed to Qatar.
Real Madrid were heavily linked with Bellingham, while Manchester City and Bayern Munich were also keen, but two of Bellingham’s England teammates clearly had their own idea about where the wonderkid should be move next.
Speaking to BBC 5Live, Coady said: “I think Hendo and Trent tried with Jude [to get him to sign]. At the World Cup, yeah 100 per cent.
“They man marked him,” Coady laughed. “They man marked the life out of him.
READ MORE ON JUDE BELLINGHAM
“I think those two tried it and if you’re at a club like that you would, wouldn’t you? Of course you would.
“When you know he is going to leave in the summer, which was quite common knowledge wasn’t it that he was going to leave and there was all these clubs in for him.
“So 100 per cent you would, without a shadow of a doubt.
“Oh it was [every meal time] and they were either side of him. One was always sat on that side and the other side.
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Alexander-Arnold and Bellingham are good friends on and off the pitchCredit: Getty
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His move to Real Madrid worked out quite well, thoughCredit: Getty
“And we were all sat there and they would be talking about how good Liverpool is, how good Jurgen Klopp is and all this sort of stuff and we’d all be sat there having something to eat listening to them.”
Despite the best efforts of Henderson and Alexander-Arnold, Bellingham chose to join Real Madrid in the summer of 2023 for a fee worth £88million.
Germany fans reveal that they don’t like England and Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham
His debut season wasn’t bad either, scoring 23 goals and offering 13 assists to help Real Madrid to LaLiga and Champions League glory.
Throughout Gareth Southgate’s tenure as England manager, he has got a lot right.
Statistically speaking, Southgate is one of England’s greatest managers thanks to semi final and quarterfinal appearances at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups respectively along with a run to the final at Euro 2020.
He’s also overseen the transformation of a squad dripping with superstars but lacking chemistry in the early 2010s to one that plays as a cohesive unit and isn’t divided by allegiances at club level.
Most importantly, he fostered an environment to remove the fear factor typically associated with wearing an England shirt, a jersey so often shackled by the weight of expectation from the nation.
However, there’s a sense that for all Southgate has achieved in the England hot seat, he should have turned those deep tournament runs into something more.
The Three Lions’ trophy drought is well documented. Not since the 1966 World Cup has the men’s team won anything.
Although Southgate has come the closest to ending it, the window for this crop of England stars is rapidly closing.
Before we know it, the 2026 World Cup will arrive and it will be time for a new generation to take the nation forward.
Southgate knows just as much, with his Euro 2024 squad a nod to the here and now but also with an eye towards the future.
This tournament may well prove to be Southgate’s final bow as England boss given his contract expires in December and even if the FA want to keep him on, there’s no guarantee he’s keen to stay in the post.
But with some brutal omissions from his final 26-man squad, the 53-year-old has shown he won’t be left wanting if this truly is his last dance as Three Lions boss.
Euro 2024 looms as Southgate’s last tournament outing as England manager. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
THE ‘SAD’ CALLS THAT HAD TO HAPPEN … AND HOW ‘TALISMAN’ CAN BE A LASTING LIGHT
For the majority of his time in charge, Southgate has been dogged by accusations he has picked on reputation rather on form.
But several brave selection calls for England’s Euro 2024 squad proved those doubters wrong.
Jordan Henderson, a longtime stalwart of Southgate’s squads and a former captain, didn’t even make the preliminary Euros squad.
Nor did Marcus Rashford, who was woeful for Manchester United this season but one of England’s most damaging attacking options when on song.
But the biggest selection shocks were to come: Harry Maguire, James Maddison and Jack Grealish all failed to make Southgate’s final 26-man squad.
Maguire, one of Southgate’s most trusted lieutenants and a physical presence on set pieces, missed United’s final five games of the season with a calf injury.
Although there was a chance Maguire would return to fitness later in the tournament, Southgate could not afford to bring a body who wouldn’t be ready to go for the group stages.
Maddison registered just five goal involvements from Tottenham’s final 17 league games but “still thought there would be a space” in the squad given he’d “been a mainstay” through England’s Euro qualifying campaign.
Such was the shock over Grealish’s snub, The Telegraph reported a senior player spoke to Southgate to understand the decision as his England teammates visited his room to offer support.
Grealish’s form had dropped off compared to his displays in 22/23 for Manchester City but many expected the winger to make the cut given his remarkable dribbling ability and protection of the ball.
Grealish’s omission left several players stunned. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
“In the attacking positions we’re blessed with a lot of options and Madders and Jack gives us something different,” Southgate said on his final squad.
“They were tough calls, but we back our decisions but recognise we could’ve gone a different route. It was sad to have to deliver that news to them.”
Southgate decided to reward the likes of Crystal Palace duo Eberechi Eze and Adam Wharton for their impressive late season form while Manchester United’s teenage midfielder Kobbie Mainoo also earned a call-up.
Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon was the man picked ahead of Grealish thanks to an impressive season in which he scored 11 league goals and chalked up 10 assists.
So yes, there’s an element Southgate has finally picked a team — or at least some players — on form.
But he’s also taken a major gamble on some of his bigger names, making certain exclusions all the more puzzling.
John Stones started just two of City’s last ten league games while fellow centre back Marc Guehi only returned from three months out with a knee injury for Crystal Palace. on May 6.
Luke Shaw, the only natural left back in the team, has not played since February.
Kieran Trippier, who has had to deputise at left back in Shaw’s absence, missed eight of Newcastle’s last 11 games with a calf injury and two of his three appearances in that spell were substitute appearances.
Shaw has been out of action for several months. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP)Source: AFP
The inclusions of Stones and Guehi must have left Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite wondering what more he could’ve done having played 35 games for a Toffees team that conceded the fourth-fewest goals in the Premier League.
Outside from the controversial squad calls, Southgate has shown he has one eye on the 2026 World Cup.
All up, only 12 of the 25 in England’s 2022 World Cup squad remain, heralding the slow transition of a new generation into the team.
The age factor is also another intriguing subplot in England’s Euro 2024 squad as 46 per cent of players are aged 25 or under.
One of which is 20-year-old Jude Bellingham, who moved to Real Madrid for an eye-watering $AUD168 million last June.
“Southgate has fretted about a number of problems but after Iceland they seemed to be flushed into the public domain, the narrative taking in the search for someone to ride to the rescue,” The Guardian’s David Hynter wrote.
“Which is where Bellingham – who was given additional leave after his involvement for Real Madrid in their Champions League final victory over Borussia Dortmund on last Saturday – comes in.
“It is not difficult to present him as a talisman, given the spectacular season he has had for Madrid.”
With the next crop of stars slowly drip-fed into England’s senior team, it places extra emphasis on Euro 2024 for those senior figures to finally taste tournament success.
Six players in this England team are aged 30 or over and if this same squad is picked for the 2026 World Cup, that number would increase to nine.
Yet there’s just one small matter that takes precedence over any future squad selections: Southgate’s future.
Bellingham will be England’s go-to guy for many years to come. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
HOW ‘HUMBLING’ DEFEAT COULD BE BEST THING TO HAPPEN IN SOUTHGATE’S ‘LAST CHANCE’
There’s two ways people tend to view Southgate’s time as England manager.
Prior to his appointment, England had not made it to the semi final of a major tournament since Euro 1996 under Terry Venables.
But under Southgate, England made the semi finals twice across two World Cups and Euro 2020.
By providing relaxed atmospheres and giving his players freedom to do what they do best, the 53-year-old uncovered the blueprint to finally make England consistently successful.
On the contrary, Southgate’s England have made for, at times, dour viewing.
Some will also feel they could and should have done better in the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, with Southgate’s tactics called into question.
Southgate even admitted just as much: “Could we have done better at different moments during a semi final or a final? Well, yeah, I expect so.”
A worrying run of just one win in their last five leading into Euro 2024, including a 1-0 defeat to Iceland at Wembley, did little to inspire the nation as the team was booed off.
England also managed just one shot on target the entire game, their lowest figure since the Euro 2020 fixture against Scotland.
The need to physically manage the players was used by Southgate as a key mitigating circumstance for the loss to Iceland, but it was an alarming defeat nonetheless.
“The idea was that the Wembley send-off against Iceland would represent a reset; but it went hard in the other direction,” Hynter wrote.
England slipped to a shock loss to Iceland in their final friendly ahead of Euro 2024. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
“The result was bad, a surprise 1-0 defeat; the performance was worse. Southgate was unhappy in the dressing room, making it clear that everything had to be better — particularly the mentality.”
Defeat to Iceland also provided a grim reminder of what happened when the two sides met at Euro 2016 as the underdogs produced the performance of a lifetime to knock England out in the Round of 16.
Given England’s status as heavy favourites to win Euro 2024, losing to Iceland in a game that was billed as a celebratory occasion was immensely deflating.
“Losing against Iceland was unexpected and certainly a setback ahead of the Serbia game, but it doesn’t have to be a huge body blow,” Tanner wrote.
“If it eases the pressure and stems the flood of folk singing, ‘It’s coming home,’ then that isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
“As long as several of Southgate’s men recover physically and mentally, it could actually be the humbling experience that could prove to be a blessing in disguise.”
Regardless of how long or short England’s tournament lasts, attention will quickly shift towards Southgate’s future.
It is no secret he is out of contract in December, leaving the FA with a big decision to make.
Southgate came awfully close to leaving the role in the wake of England’s quarterfinal defeat to France at the 2022 World Cup, but elected to stay.
The 53-year-old has swatted away all questions regarding his future in the lead-up to the tournament and insisted it is not a distraction.
Southgate has largely refused to entertain his future beyond the tournament. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP)Source: AFP
“Well, for me, it’s not an issue and never has been,” Southgate said.
“I have to deliver a successful tournament for England and there’s enough work involved in that. I think everybody would expect that’s where my focus should be.”
However, Southgate gave his strongest indication yet that even if the FA want him to stay on, it will take a historic tournament to remain in the post.
“I think about half of the national coaches leave after a tournament – that’s the nature of international football.
“I’ve been here for almost eight years now and we’ve come close so I know that you can’t keep standing in front of the public and saying ‘please do a little more’, because at some point, people will lose faith in your message.”
Southgate must hope people have faith in his message for one more month.
Marcus Rashford paid for his poor season as the Manchester United forward was left out of England boss Gareth Southgate’s provisional 33-man squad for Euro 2024 on Tuesday.
Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson and Chelsea skipper Reece James were among the other big names to miss out on the squad, that must be trimmed to a maximum of 26 before the tournament in Germany begins.
Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton is rewarded for the Eagles’ brilliant end to the Premier League season with his first-ever call up.
Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and Liverpool duo Jarell Quansah and Curtis Jones are the other uncapped players selected with Southgate short on defensive options.
England face Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 3 and Iceland four days later before jetting off for Germany, where they are one of the favourites to win the tournament.
The wealth of options available to Southgate in attacking areas means Rashford misses out on a major international tournament for the first time since the 2014 World Cup.
Rashford has scored just eight times in 42 appearances for his club this season and only recently returned from injury.
Rashford’s exclusion from the provisional England squad is what The Times’ Martin Samuel described as “a watershed moment” given how he’d often find himself included even if other players were in better form.
“Looking at the names of his forward selections, Rashford does not merit inclusion above any of them,” Samuel wrote.
Rashford has missed out on England’s provisional squad for Euro 2024. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
“He may not even be first reserve, given Dominic Solanke was left out.
“His performances for Manchester United this season have been so ordinary, so lackadaisical, that even Old Trafford’s faithful have turned against him.”
Henderson’s move to Ajax in January after a short spell in Saudi Arabia has not done enough to earn the 33-year-old a place.
The fact Southgate was all too happy to leave Henderson, one of his most trusted lieutenants, out of the squad is why The Telegraph’s Oliver Brown believed his omission should count as “his greatest humiliation yet”.
“Henderson has long been one of the England manager’s hardiest perennials, so central to the cause that he was still serving as vice-captain in the two March friendlies against Brazil and Belgium,” Brown wrote.
“Eight weeks on, he no longer warrants even a spot in the extended squad. Indignities seldom come more scalding.
“While his move to Amsterdam was meant to have strengthened his case for a role at Euro 2024, it has merely consigned him to irrelevance.”
Henderson’s Saudi Arabian gamble backfired spectacularly. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
The same goes for Jadon Sancho despite his renaissance on his return to Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund on loan from United.
Raheem Sterling and Kalvin Phillips were also overlooked despite shining for Southgate in the past at major tournaments.
Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, who fired Manchester City to the Premier League title on Sunday, and Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka are included as part of a fearsome collection of creative talent to supply England’s all-time top goalscorer Harry Kane.
England’s men begin their quest to win a major tournament for the first time in 58 years against Serbia on June 16 before facing Denmark and Slovenia in Group C.
PROVISIONAL ENGLAND EURO 2024 SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal), Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), James Trafford (Burnley)
Defenders: Kyle Walker, John Stones (both Manchester City), Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire (both Manchester United), Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton), Jarell Quansah, Joe Gomez (both Liverpool), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Kieran Trippier (Newcastle), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Lewis Dunk (Brighton)
Forwards: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich/GER), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa), Ivan Toney (Brentford), Jarrod Bowen (West Ham), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), James Maddison (Tottenham), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid/ESP), Phil Foden, Jack Grealish (both Manchester City), Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace)
Steven Gerrard signed a new deal with Al-Ettifaq to remain as coach until 2027 on Thursday, just moments after former Liverpool teammate Jordan Henderson left the Saudi club after a six-month nightmare.
The 43-year-old Gerrard arrived at Al-Ettifaq last July on a two-year deal but his team are a lowly eighth in the Pro League table, 28 points behind leaders Al-Hilal – despite signing a host of big names as part of the Saudi Arabian transfer spending spree in the off-season.
It included landing four high-profile stars in Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum, Moussa Dembélé and Demarai Gray.
But Al-Ettifaq have not won in eight league matches (nine in all comps) and Gerrard was reportedly close to being sacked, with the SPL on hiatus due to the ongoing AFC Asian Cup.
For a manager previously touted as a potential successor to Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool following an impressive stint at Rangers in Scotland, being sacked by Al-Ettifaq may well have been the last nail in the coffin of Gerrard’s managerial career after struggling at Aston Villa.
But after Henderson quit the club only six months in to a reported £700,000 per week ($A1.35m per week) deal in the kingdom, the club handed Gerrard a shock contract extension.
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The move raised plenty of eyebrows, with some viewing the deal as an attempt to shore up Saudi Arabia’s football reputation after losing one of its biggest names following a disappointing six months.
“This is very pleasing for myself and my family and feels like recognition for a lot of hard work and commitment,” said former England captain Gerrard in a statement.
“We knew at the beginning this was a big job and a challenging job, but a lot has been achieved.”
Steven Gerrard has struggled since his appointment at Al-Ettifaq.Source: AFP
He added: “I also understand my position, it’s a results business. I never take that for granted. I understand where we are in the league, but I am very confident we will improve.”
Earlier Thursday, 33-year-old Henderson – also a former Liverpool captain – left Al-Ettifaq after only six months at the club to join faltering Dutch giants Ajax.
Saad Allazeez, Vice Chairman and interim CEO of the SPL said the deal suited everyone to resolve the situation.
“Sometimes despite best efforts people don’t always adjust or settle,” said Allazeez.
“Everyone tried and no one is to blame,” he added.
Henderson’s move to Saudi Arabia, where homosexuality is illegal, sparked accusations of hypocrisy given the England international’s outspoken support for the LGBT+ community.
Pride in Football, a network of LGBT+ fan groups, said at the time: “When you see someone who has been an ally so publicly transfer to a club in a country where LGBT+ people are attacked and imprisoned, it is disappointing.”
“Good luck in Saudi Arabia Jordan, but you have lost the respect of so many people who valued you and trusted you.”
Chelsea could break the bank yet again in pursuit of a superstar striker while Jordan Henderson’s wish to leave Saudi Arabia could be realised.
Meanwhile, Newcastle are eyeing up one of the hottest strikers in the Premier League while a maligned Manchester United star doesn’t want to leave the club just yet.
Catch up on all of the biggest transfer whispers doing the rounds in the latest edition of the Rumour Mill!
Just when you thought Chelsea couldn’t spend any more money, think again.
The Blues’ attacking woes were on display for all to see after a shock 1-0 loss to Championship side Middlesbrough in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final.
Chelsea’s struggles in attack has also plagued the team this season in the Premier League as they sit in 10th.
So it’s no surprise that Chelsea owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali are willing to open the cheque book once more to bring in a new forward to the club, per the Daily Mail.
And the report claims Chelsea holds a “strong interest” in Napoli superstar Victor Osimhen.
Osimhen has a release clause of $AUD195 million but is away with Nigeria for the African Cup of Nations, meaning a deal might not be done until the summer.
Should Chelsea bring Osimhen to Stamford Bridge, it would represent a major upgrade on the unproven Armando Broja as well as Nicolas Jackson, who has struggled to impress since joining from Villarreal last summer.
Osimhen is attracting plenty of interest from Chelsea. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
SURPRISE EXIT ROUTE EMERGES FOR ENGLAND STAR STUCK IN SAUDI ARABIA
Jordan Henderson hasn’t verbalised it himself, but the rampant reports of his desire to leave Saudi Arabia says it all about his disillusionment with his current situation.
The former Liverpool skipper is just five months into his Saudi adventure with Al-Ettifaq, the club managed by his former Reds teammate Steven Gerrard.
However, Henderson is looking for a return to Europe either on a permanent or loan deal as he attempts to remain prominent in England boss Gareth Southgate’s thoughts ahead of the 2024 Euros.
The England international could be inching closer to realising his new dream, with The Telegraph reporting Dutch giants Ajax have made contact with his representatives over a loan deal for the remainder of the season.
A team in the Bundesliga is also keeping a keen eye on Henderson’s situation, per the report.
However, Henderson’s mammoth weekly wage of $665k will likely prove a major stumbling block to any teams interested.
Henderson wants out of Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
PL BIG BOYS EYE RED-HOT STRIKER
With eight goals in his last eight games, Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke has rocketed towards the front of the golden boot race.
The season is just 20 games old and already Solanke has secured his best-ever goals return in the Premier League with 12 to his name, just two goals behind golden boot leaders Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah.
Unsurprisingly, Solanke’s red-hot form has caught the eye of some big teams, none more so than Newcastle United, per The Telegraph.
However, Newcastle’s inquiry was immediately knocked back by the Cherries as they have no intention of selling their prized asset in January.
Solanke is no stranger to Newcastle boss Eddie Howe given it was the latter who brought the striker to Bournemouth in the first place back in 2019.
Bournemouth’s reluctance to let Solanke go this month is understandable given the club has just one other fit striker, Welsh international Kieffer Moore, with Dango Outtara and Antoine Semenyo at the African Cup of Nations.
Solanke is in sensational form for Bournemouth. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
MALIGNED RED DEVIL WANTS TO STAY
Despite receiving offers from elsewhere and not being a guaranteed starter, Anthony Martial is reportedly keen to stick around at Manchester United for the remainder of his contract.
Sky Sports reported Martial, who will become a free agent on June 30, has little interest in leaving Old Trafford in the January window.
The report claims the French striker has knocked back the likes of Marseille, Fenerbache as well as cashed-up clubs in Saudi Arabia in order to prove his worth at United.
The Red Devils also have the option to trigger a one-year extension on Martial’s deal, but that appears to be an unlikely scenario.
Martial also might not have much say in an exit should a club decide to bid for him in January as United look to receive a transfer fee before losing him for free in the summer.
After scoring 17 league goals in the 2019/20 campaign, the 28-year-old has found the back of the net just 12 times across the next four seasons.
Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson is reportedly seeking a Premier League return just six months after joining the mass exodus of players to Saudi Arabia.
Henderson, who played 12 seasons for Liverpool, is playing under former Liverpool teammate Steven Gerrard at Al-Ettifaq.
But things haven’t gone to plan, with Gerrard facing the sack after failing to win any of his last eight games over two months.
Henderson was heavily criticised for his move to Saudi Arabia given its conservative stance on the LGBT+ community who Henderson has publicly supported in the past.
Henderson reportedly earns £700,000 per week, but Saudi tax rules mean he won’t pay tax if he stays for at least two seasons.
But the 33-year-old has told teammates he is considering an exit after struggling to adapt to the playing conditions in his new country – and leaving early could see him slugged with a monster £7m tax bill.
The Saudi league is currently in a six-week break for the Asian Cup.
Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino was asked about a potential move for the England international, replying: “We didn’t talk about names. At the moment, we are not talking about players.
“I saw Behdad [Eghbali], with Paul [Winstanley] and Laurence [Stewart]. I think we are going to have a chat tomorrow. We didn’t talk about names or players. For now, we are focusing on players like Andrey Santos.”
19-year-old midfielder Santos was recently recalled from an underwhelming loan spell at Nottingham Forest.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says there is a ‘possibility’ his side will make no signings this month despite a raft of injuries.
Arteta has previously said he “needs players” in order to challenge for the title, with major off-season signing Jurrien Timber still out of fitness, Fabio Vieira and Thomas Partey also injured, and Takehiro Tomiyasu at the Asian Cup with Japan.
But Arteta told Sky Sports there was a chance of no signings this window, saying: “That’s a possibility.”
“Unfortunately, Jurrien has a very long-term injury. He’s doing really well but is still far from training with the team,” he added.
“It’s what we have, with Tomi having to leave. We’re open for the transfer market, but the emphasis is of making the most of the players we have.
“We’ll work with the club to understand if there are any possibilities, and whether we have any good options. But first of all, we will focus on the players we already have.”
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OTHER REPORTS
West Ham striker Danny Ings is reportedly a potential target for Wolves in this window, with Wolves set to loan Sasa Kaladjzic to Eintracht Frankfurt this month.
Ings has made 10 appearances in the Premier League this season but hasn’t managed a goal or assist.
And Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Crystal Palace forward Michael Olise – and are even interested in sending Aaron Wan Bissaka the other way in a player-plus-cash deal.
Jordan Henderson is unlikely to return to the Premier League with Al Ettifaq determined to keep hold of their star man, talkSPORT understands.
Reports claim ex-Liverpool captain Henderson wants a return to the Premier League after failing to settle in Saudi Arabia.
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Henderson is keen to return to the Premier League just months after move to SaudiCredit: getty
However, Al Ettifaq would not consider selling the England midfielder unless they receive an astronomical offer to make significant profit on the money paid for him in July.
Sources close to the Saudi Pro League club say Henderson has not yet submitted a transfer request.
Manager Steven Gerrard is building his side around the 33-year-old and Al-Ettifaq are determined not to lose him just months after completing his £12million switch.
The deal brought an end to the midfielder’s 12-year stay with Liverpool where he became captain and a modern-day club legend.
READ MORE ON JORDAN HENDERSON
His move to Saudi Arabia didn’t come without controversy though amid criticism over the Kingdom’s treatment of LGBTQ+ people, given Henderson’s previous support of the community.
Playing under Liverpool legend Gerrard, the 33-year-old has struggled to help his new club build any sort of form with the manager’s position coming under pressure as a result.
A return to England would be costly for Henderson, though, with a return likely to cost him millions in tax and lost wages.
Although the vast gap in star power was evident, the Socceroos did not take a backwards step against England as the hosts edged out a narrow 1-0 win at Wembley Stadium.
An Ollie Watkins goal was all that separated the two nations, but Graham Arnold’s side could feel hard done by to not take anything away from the contest.
Despite the defeat, there was a lot to love about the Socceroos’ performance as they stood up against yet another global powerhouse while a tactical tweak could prove intriguing in the future.
Foxsports.com.au breaks down the contest in Socceroos Talking Points!
THE PHRASE INSPIRING SOCCEROOS AGAINST FANCIED OPPONENTS
Graham Arnold has banged on about the “Aussie DNA” throughout his tenure as Socceroos coach, but it continues to ring true in every match the team plays.
Although England trotted out what many would consider a second-string line-up, it still featured hundreds of millions of dollars worth of talent.
Even when England brought on the likes of Marcus Rashford, Kieran Trippier and Phil Foden in the second half, it provided a timely reminder of the vast gap in depth available.
It would have been easy for most teams to roll over and accept their fate, but not the Socceroos.
As assistant coach Rene Meulensteen — who stepped in for the post-match press conference as Arnold had lost his voice — pointed out, a four-word phrase encapsulated why the team wouldn’t take a backwards step.
“The one thing that we have to respect everybody, but we don’t fear anybody,” Meulensteen said.
Arnold was left to rue what could have been for the Socceroos against England. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
“Without a shadow of a doubt he’s got world class players in every position. But for us, I think if you look back, we had a fantastic game plan, we were very well organised.
“There’s not many national teams, I’ll tell you that, that have the courage to go and press against the big teams.
“Because I tell you, most of the national team coaches, they think they haven’t had enough contact time with the team so they’re up for a more calm approach.
“We always go full out and press where we can and I think that’s admirable.”
Granted, England enjoyed the lion’s share of possession with 67 per cent compared to Australia’s 33 per cent share.
Despite their time on the ball, it was the Aussies who produced more chances and mustered 14 shots in total with four on target, compared to England’s nine and three on target.
It’s further evidence Australia can mix it with the big boys, even if there is a vast gap in star power available.
Arnold has got the ‘Aussie DNA’ flowing through his team. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
AUSSIE STARS’ HEARTBREAK SAYS IT ALL
The fact a number of players were left devastated after the game is proof the Socceroos were more than well in the contest.
Ryan Strain had an effort cleared off the line, England goalkeeper Sam Johnstone produced a flying save to deny Keanu Baccus and Connor Metcalfe was denied by the post in cruel scenes.
Much like the Argentina contest at the World Cup, the Socceroos wondered what could have been as they attempted to recreate the feats of the 2003 squad that famously beat England 3-1.
Jackson Irvine, who made a miraculous recovery to return from a serious ankle injury to then start against the Three Lions, felt it was “undoubtedly” an opportunity missed to get one over their historic rivals.
“You can feel it in the dressing room after the game,” Irvine told reporters after the game.
“You think after an occasion like this (we’d be happy) but it was a bit flat.
“That’s a testament to the mentality of the group, you know, coming to a place like this against an opponent like that and feeling like there was something for us tonight, a little bit of a missed opportunity.”
Irvine was dejected after the result. (Photo by Tom Dulat/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
The sentiment was echoed by Craig Goodwin, who put in an outstanding shift on the left wing and whipped in several free kicks that had the England backline worried.
The Al-Wehda forward believed the team must now develop that killer streak in front of goal that the rest of the world’s top teams possess if they are to get the results the Socceroos’ performances deserve.
“I think we played really well, created some really good chances, but probably need to be a little bit more ruthless with the ones that we have.
“At the end of the day we played against a top opposition and one of the best international teams in the world.
“So we take pride from that but we have to obviously try and finetune those areas and the chances that we do create – and then hopefully from there we can take our game to the next level.”
Who knows when Australia will face England next, but you can be sure England boss Gareth Southgate won’t look at this fixture lightly any more.
Goodwin believes the Socceroos need an extra bit of finetuning in the final third. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
THE BACKLINE HEADACHE ARNIE WILL WELCOME
For the second straight game, Arnold has named Kye Rowles at left back as Cameron Burgess slotted in as the left-sided centre back alongside Harry Souttar.
It is an interesting plot from Arnold, especially since Rowles is traditionally a centre back and was forming an impressive partnership alongside Souttar.
But Burgess’ form for club side Ipswich Town made him impossible to ignore and earned a deserved call-up to the national team.
Rowles was given the tough task of shutting down England livewire Jarrod Bowen, who has been in scintillating form for club side West Ham United.
Although the Hearts defender had a slow start and was caught napping for a brief moment, Rowles certainly grew into the contest and proved a dependable option.
The decision to play Rowles at left back also represents a slight tweak in tactics from Arnold given Aziz Behich, who has often been first choice in the position for several years, is willing to get up and down the flank.
Rowles didn’t look out of place at left back. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
So too is Jordan Bos, who has emerged as Behich’s potential successor in the position but is adept at playing further forward if necessary.
However, Meulensteen pointed out it’s all about keeping the team’s options open and praised both Rowles and Burgess for their performance.
“It’s always good to have players that can play in multiple positions,” Meulensteen said.
“It’s difficult for us in windows in September or October that we can use Australian players because the A-League hasn’t started, so those players weren’t fit enough. That was the case with Aziz.
“We know that Kye can play there. Kye’s very comfortable there and with Cam Burgess coming in, to see what we can do there.
“Again, Cam Burgess put in an outstanding performance. It’s another option for us.”
It’s a headache for Arnold and his coaching staff to consider in the future, but it’s certainly a welcome one.
Cameron Burgess was impressive alongside Harry Souttar at centre back. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP)Source: AFP
‘BRAVE’ YOUNGSTERS NOT OVERAWED BY OCCASION
A fixture against England at Wembley is a daunting colosseum for any player to walk into, let alone a number of inexperienced Socceroos.
But Keanu Baccus, Ryan Strain and Connor Metcalfe did not look overawed by the occasion at all.
Strain, making his first Socceroos start, was tasked with keeping £100m superstar Jack Grealish quiet while Baccus had to shut down an England midfield featuring Jordan Henderson, James Maddison and Conor Gallagher.
As for Metcalfe, he had to do his best to shut down early England attacks and simultaneously help spark ones for the Socceroos once they gained possession.
Although Strain picked up a yellow card for a cynical foul on Grealish, the Manchester City superstar was largely shackled by his adversary before he was replaced by Lewis Miller in the 74th minute.
He also came within inches of opening the scoring, with only a desperate goal-line clearance from Lewis Dunk denying him from a goal.
As for Baccus, he was one of the Socceroos’ best in an all-action midfield display in which he showed all of his physical and technical qualities.
Metcalfe almost got on the scoresheet himself but directed his header against the post in the dying minutes.
Safe to say, the next generation for the Socceroos left Meulensteen impressed. “You have to give those boys enormous credit,” Meulensteen said.
“The bravery that they had, I think it’s the mentality that stands out for us.
“We can go toe-to-toe with all different nations. We are just trying to find that extra bit of quality to really put them to the sword, and that’s what we’re looking for.”
The Socceroos can feel extremely hard done by as a momentary lapse in concentration cost them dearly in a 1-0 defeat to England at Wembley Stadium in London.
Ollie Watkins punished the Aussie backline who fell asleep at the wheel for a brief moment as he slid home to convert Jack Grealish’s driven ball across the face of goal in the 58th minute.
The Aston Villa star’s strike was a cruel blow for the Socceroos, who looked the more dangerous side despite England enjoying the lion’s share of possession.
With just over 10 minutes to go, Connor Metcalfe’s header smacked against the post from a Martin Boyle corner while Ryan Strain had an effort cleared off the line not long before half-time.
Keanu Baccus played a perfect long ball over the top which found Martin Boyle, who had drifted in from the right to take up a dangerous position in the middle.
Boyle turned on the ball and drove at the English backline before slipping in Strain, who had made a lung-bursting run up from right back.
However, Strain’s effort was cleared on the line by England centre-back Lewis Dunk as the Aussie sunk to his knees and held his head in his hands.
It was the best chance of the game as the two nations traded blows in an entertaining first half.
Baccus himself came close to opening the scoring when his long-range effort took a deflection and forced England goalkeeper Sam Johnstone to pull off a diving save to deny the St Mirren midfielder.
England themselves had a golden chance to open the scoring thanks to some tidy work down the right flank.
Winger Jarrod Bowen had the ball and looked to drive at Australian left-back Kye Rowles, but he slipped in Connor Gallagher who had made a bursting run from midfield and had escaped his marker Jackson Irvine.
Gallagher squared a ball across the face of goal but England stiker Ollie Watkins couldn’t get his feet set as the ball rolled between his legs and out of harm’s way.
Watkins again had another gilt-edged chance to put England ahead when he was slipped through by James Maddison and rounded Mat Ryan, but he fired his effort wide from an open goal.
TEAM NEWS
England manager Gareth Southgate has fielded an experimental line-up, no surprise given they face Italy on Tuesday in a qualifier for next year’s European Championships, with a win guaranteeing England qualification.
Chelsea defender Levi Colwill starts at left-back for his debut, while just three England players have ten caps or more – Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jack Grealish and Jordan Henderson. In fact, just one England player – centre-back Lewis Dunk – also started their last match (a win over Scotland last month).
Australia has named a strong starting side, with Jackson Irvine recovering from an ankle injury suffered against Mexico last month to start.
Socceroos XI
4-3-3 (R-L): Maty Ryan; Ryan Strain, Harry Souttar, Cameron Burgess, Kye Rowles; Keanu Baccus, Jackson Irvine, Connor Metcalfe; Martin Boyle, Mitch Duke, Craig Goodwin
England XI
Sam Johnstone; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Levi Colwill, Connor Gallagher, Lewis Dunk; Fikayo Tomori, Jack Grealish, Jordan Henderson, Ollie Watkins, James Maddison, Jarrod Bowen
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