Henderson forced to sit in the stands as Ajax debut delayed because of Brexit
Jordan Henderson was forced to watch Ajax's 4-1 win over RKC Waalwijk from the stands after work permit issues delayed his debut for the Dutch giants.
The midfielder signed for Ajax on Thursday after terminating his contract with Al-Ettifaq following a nightmare six months in Saudi Arabia. But his troubles have followed him from the Middle East as rules brought in after Brexit prevented him from making his debut on Sunday.
Henderson has arrived as the Dutch side's highest earner, with Ajax currently fifth in the Eredivisie table. He watched on as his new side extended their unbeaten run in the Dutch top-flight with a convincing win over Waalwijk.
A brace from Brian Brobbey, as well as strikes from Kristian Hlynsson and Steven Berghuis secured all three points for John van't Schip's side. But while Henderson would have been itching to play, he was prevented from doing so.
Ajax had started the process of securing a work permit for the midfielder, which is now a requirement following the UK's exit from the European Union. But having one approved may take as long as two weeks.
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The Dutch giants are attempting to fast-track the application, which is almost certain to be approved. But it did not come in time for Henderson to line up against Waalwijk, with the 33-year-old left disappointed.
"I want to debut as soon as possible and can’t wait. We will see. It's up to me to show what I can during training sessions and matches. I am ready to start when I can. I have always dedicated my life to football and will continue doing so," he said before the game.
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Henderson missed out on Ajax's convincing win over Waalwijk (Jeroen van den Berg/Soccrates/Getty Images)Henderson was instead seen taking pictures of the Johan Cryuff Arena from the directors' box while wearing a club scarf. If his work permit is approved in the coming week, Henderson will be able to feature against Eredivisie minnow Heracles on Saturday.
The Englishman's move to Saudi Arabia last summer attracted intense criticism, particularly from the LGBT+ community. At his unveiling, the midfielder took the chance to apologise to those offended by his move to Ettifaq.
"If anyone was offended or feel as though I upset them, that's on me, that was my decision and I apologise for that. It was never my intention. I just want to look forward now and concentrate on being the best player I can for Ajax," he said.
"My beliefs have never changed and never will. Again I can only apologise if people feel let down. Looking back at the time, it was a big decision and one I felt was right for me. In the end it didn't turn out the way we both wanted to, but it ended on great terms."
Boss van't Schip is desperate to be able to bring Henderson into his squad. The Ajax manager is battling an injury crisis within his squad, which badly needs positive news amid a miserable season.
He said: "We wanted an experienced midfielder with leadership qualities. Partially due to injuries in the team, we were looking for someone who could step in immediately. Jordan Henderson is that type of player. His arrival means a huge enhancement for our squad."
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