Jordan Henderson hit by Brexit problem ahead of Ajax debut

Jordan Henderson faces an unexpected delay in his Ajax debut due to Brexit-related complications.

The England international recently inked a two-and-a-half-year deal with the club, having terminated his contract with Al Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia.

Henderson, who intended to don the No.14 shirt, was compelled to settle for No.6, but eager fans may have to wait a bit longer to witness him in action. Despite watching Ajax’s recent 4-1 victory over RKC Waalwijk from the stands, Jordan Henderson is currently in a state of limbo.

The intricate web of new Brexit regulations means that Ajax must await the approval of Henderson’s work permit before he can join his new teammates on the training ground or make his mark on the pitch.

While there is optimism surrounding the permit application, reports from the Daily Mail suggest that the process might take up to two weeks.

This bureaucratic hurdle could potentially keep the Sunderland academy graduate out of action until a crucial clash against Eredivisie league leaders PSV on February 3.

However, there is a glimmer of hope that the process might expedite, as Ajax manager John van’t Schip is keen to integrate Henderson into the squad sooner rather than later.

Remarkably, Jordan Henderson has already made an impact at Ajax without kicking a ball. Sources reveal that his No.6 shirt has become the fastest-selling in the club’s history, surpassing records previously held by Dusan Tadic and Daley Blind.

The shirt reportedly outsold its predecessors in just 24 hours, a feat that Ajax insiders describe as a rarity for the club.

Ajax, who started the season poorly and flirted with relegation before the dismissal of Maurice Steijn, have seen a resurgence with six wins in their last eight matches.

Currently sitting in fifth place in the Eredivisie, they are only six points away from the coveted third position occupied by FC Twente, which guarantees entry into the Champions League qualification stage.