A bit on why we didn't sign Henderson
https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/s...n-joining-brentford-two-year-deal-free-agent/
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...Sunderland’s recruitment team were aware of Henderson’s likely availability at the start of the summer, and have been monitoring his situation throughout the last couple of months.
However, with Habib Diarra and Noah Sadiki already having been recruited to strengthen the central-midfield ranks, the Black Cats hierarchy decided against offering Henderson what would have been an emotional return to his hometown.
The presence of Dan Neil and Chris Rigg in Sunderland’s midfield mix was also a factor, with Sunderland officials not wanting to hamper the development of two of their most promising young players.
Sunderland's sporting director, Kristjaan Speakman, was aware of the emotional pull behind bringing Henderson back to the Stadium of Light, and the veteran midfielder's experience and leadership qualities would potentially have offered something in a squad that, on the whole, remains extremely young.
However, senior sources claim there was a determination to ensure 'heart did not rule head', with Speakman having been involved in the unsuccessful decision to offer Jermain Defoe a second spell as a Sunderland player.
In the end, it was decided that Sunderland should look to the future rather than the past, hence the move for alternative, much younger central-midfield targets.
Henderson was made aware of his boyhood club's decision, and having turned down a series of alternative offers including a firm approach from Porto, the North-Easterner has opted to join Brentford, who finished in tenth position in the Premier League next season....