Jordan Henderson's Ajax debut could be delayed due to Brexit

Jordan Henderson's Ajax debut could be delayed due to Brexit, it has been revealed.

The England international signed for the Dutch giants earlier this week, penning a two-and-a-half year deal after his contract with Al Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia was terminated by mutual consent.

With his dream No.14 shirt unavailable, Henderson will wear No.6 for the Amsterdam outfit.

However, there could be a bit of a wait to see Henderson in the white and red of Ajax.

He watched the team's 4-1 win over RKC Waalwijk from the stands and he may have to get used to it for the time-being.

New Brexit rules mean Ajax have to wait for a work permit to be approved before he is able to train or play with his new teammates.

Image: Getty

While there is no suggestion that the application won't be successful, the Daily Mail say the process could take up to two weeks.

That would leave the Sunderland academy graduate in limbo until a huge game against Eredivisie league leaders PSV on February 3.

It could happen sooner, with manager John van't Schip understandably desperate to introduce him into his side.

Image: Getty

Henderson has already setting records at Ajax without even stepping onto the pitch.

It's claimed that his shirt is the fastest-selling in the club's history, surpassing previous record-holders Dusan Tadic and Daley Blind and being sold more times in 24 hours than the aforementioned duo's did in a week.

A club source commented that Ajax "rarely or never experience this."

Ajax started the season abysmally and found themselves flirting with relegation prior to the sacking of Maurice Steijn.

Six wins in eight have seen them climb to fifth in the table - just six points of third-placed FC Twente, who occupy the final Champions League qualification spot.

Image: Getty

"Partially due to injuries in the team, we were looking for someone who could step in immediately. Jordan Henderson is that type of player," manager Van't Schip said after Henderson signed.

"His arrival means a huge enhancement for our squad. Both on and off the pitch, a football player of this calibre is important for our many young players.

"He’s an English international player and has won the Champions League and many other prizes with Liverpool. I am happy he’s here, and I think it’s very good for our club that he’s an Ajacied from today onwards."

Topics: Ajax, Jordan Henderson, Liverpool, Saudi Pro League

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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