Jordan Henderson's Ajax debut could be delayed for weeks because of Brexit rule
Jordan Henderson's debut for Ajax could be delayed... by Brexit.
The Amsterdam club have started the process of securing a work permit for the England midfielder following his arrival from Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq, which is now a necessary requirement following the UK's departure from the European Union.
But cutting through the red tape could take as long as two weeks - which would leave Henderson waiting until February 3 to make his Eredivisie bow in a mouthwatering home game against runaway leaders PSV Eindhoven.
If Ajax can fast-track the 33-year-old's application - which is a formality to be approved - then he could pull on the shirt once worn by legends like Johan Cruyff, Dennis Bergkamp and Marco van Basten against minnows Heracles in front of just 12,000 fans on the only artificial pitch in Holland's top-flight.
Henderson's arrival at Ajax, after he made it clear he wanted to return to Europe after just six months in the Middle East, has split opinion. But fans of the club are excited by the prospect of Liverpool's former captain helping to rescue a season of underachievement.
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Shirt sales incorporating Henderson's name and number have broken all records, while other personalised merchandise like quilt covers are also flying off the shelves. Ajax coach John van 't Schip will be hoping to have Henderson at his disposal sooner rather than later.
The trip to Heracles' quaint Erve Asito ground in the east Netherlands is being viewed as a potential giant-killing, with a treacherous surface and only 400 away fans allowed to make the journey.
The following week it is the visit of 'perfect' PSV, a team that beat Ajax 5-2 in October and who have won all 17 of their league games so far this season.
Former Ajax manager Aad de Mos, who won two Eredivisie titles with the club, insisted: "Henderson can become the missing piece of the puzzle like Jan Wouters used to be. He can tie up the loose strings. In midfield, he will provide the balance that is totally absent now.
Jordan Henderson wasn't happy at Al-Ettifaq (Francois Nel/Getty Images)"I am convinced that young players like Kenneth Taylor and Kristian Hlynsson will become much better footballers because Henderson keeps people in their positions. He recognises danger.
"If you look on social media, it's all about Henderson. More so than Mo Salah's participation in the AFCON. He is an enrichment for the Eredivisie. Wonderful isn't it, that such a great ex-Liverpool player is coming to play football here?"
Former Liverpool keeper Sander Westerveld also welcomed Henderson’s arrival in Amsterdam - although his praise included a caveat. "Initially, I didn't believe any of it," said Westerveld.
"I thought that would never work out. But Jordan can be the missing link for Ajax on and off the pitch. But Jordan has not played at this level for six months and I wonder if he is fit enough and still top. Henderson's arrival also has a dangerous edge for both parties."
However, former Holland coach Bert van Marwijk is not convinced. Van Marjwick, who guided his nation to the 2010 World Cup Final, said: "The choice of Henderson is a wrong one for a club like Ajax.
"I wouldn't have gone for Henderson. Ajax are panicking. I do understand that because they look at the league table and see that they are nine points behind FC Twente and five behind AZ.
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"But Ajax will not finish higher than fourth so they will miss out on qualification for the Champions League anyway, where the big money is. I have seen Henderson play many times with England and Liverpool. I do not think he is a player who makes the difference."
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