Henderson, Mount & Delap: Gabbiadini on Sunderland transfers

BBC News

28-05-2025

Marco Gabbiadini has joined the list of Sunderland pundits pushing for Jordan Henderson to return to his boyhood club following the Black Cats' promotion to the Premier League. The former striker told BBC Radio Newcastle, "He must be doing okay because he's still in the England squad, isn't he? I haven't seen any film or anything, but he must be doing alright if they're watching him and he's got picked in the next England squad. "It would be a sort of a fairy tale, wouldn't it? And it does happen sometimes," he added. "He's been an outstanding player. He's gone on to be one of the best players in the country at times and win the top trophies, so I think he probably would be an asset. It probably goes a little bit against what the club is all about at the moment, but maybe they will make some exceptions for when we get in the top flight."When asked about realistic options Sunderland could sign this summer, Gabbiadini struggled because of the unknown approach sporting director Kristjaan Speakman will take. Will they continue showing faith in youth, or will Kyril Louis-Dreyfus dig deep into his wealth to try to lure stars to the Stadium of Light? He said: "I think we might be looking for players if we are going to spend - and this is the big question - someone like Mason Mount at Man United, who they've got such a turnover of players and huge numbers and they're looking to change that again this year. "He's a player who's got massive potential, I think. Maybe he hasn't fully reached it. Those kinds of players would be great for us."Sunderland have been the youngest side in the Championship this season and are likely to repeat that feat in the Premier League next season but Gabbiadini would push for some veterans to join the ranks. "Obviously, Mepham's got some Premier League experience. You would think at the back we're not too bad, but I think an influential midfielder and somebody who's a goalscorer, whether that's a 10 or a striker. Obviously we've got Le Fee on a permanent deal now as well.""I think the lad Delap is decent as well if he wanted to stay in the Premier League, but it looks like he's going to get a shot at one of the big clubs, isn't it?"We see it with so many young English players. They go to a Chelsea and you don't see them for a couple of years. "Mason Mount's probably had some injury problems as well, but it's a big group. When you come back from injury, you've got a lot of players in front of you. It does make a lot of sense to me to come to a club where you will start." Listen to the full episode and more on BBC Sounds.