Jordan Henderson may have to wait to make his Ajax debut because of a rule stemming from the UK's departure from the European Union.
Despite making headlines this summer for his lucrative move to join Al-Ettifaq, reports emerged earlier this month that Henderson was ready to return to European football just six months after his arrival.
The Saudi Pro League side ultimately agreed to a mutual termination of the former Liverpool star's £350,000-a-week contract, leaving Henderson free to join the Dutch giants on a two-and-a-half year deal.
However, despite much fanfare in the Dutch capital surrounding Henderson's arrival, Brexit means John van t' Schip's side will have to apply for, and be granted a work permit before he can feature.
While an approval will prove little more than a formality in Henderson's case, the process could take up to two weeks, potentially delaying the midfielder's debut until early February.
Henderson could yet feature in Ajax's visit to the 12,000-seat Erve Asito when they take on Eredivisie strugglers Heracles on Saturday if the application can be fast-tracked.
The 33-year-old arrives at the club during an impressive run of form that has seen them bounce back from a shockingly poor start to the campaign.
Five defeats from their first nine league games left the club in their lowest-ever position in the Dutch top flight at the end of October with manager Maurice Steijn axed while fan unrest reached an all-time high.
Since then though the club have recovered well under interim boss Van t' Schip, moving back into European contention with six wins from their last eight games.
Meanwhile Ajax remain in the hunt for their first continental trophy since 1995 in the Europa Conference League.
After finishing third in their Europa League group, the club transferred to the competition's knockout round playoffs where they will face Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt in February for a place in the round of 16.
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