Calvin Bassey has been made to wait for his Ajax debut after work permit issues following his bumper transfer from Rangers.
Bassey penned a five-year-deal with the Amsterdam club, leaving Rangers for a record breaking fee of an additional £19.5million, which could raise to just under £23million should he impress in the Eredivise and Champions League, but he has not yet been cleared to play for his new side.
The Nigeria international has yet to pull on the famous red and white kit in pre-season after his expected debut against Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday was put on hold.
The 22-year-old now faces a sweat to see whether he will make the traditional curtain raiser of the Dutch season on Saturday against PSV Eindhoven in the Johan Cruyff Shield as he looks to ramp up his fitness for the new campaign. Ajax boss Alfred Schreuder vented on the ongoing issues to Dutch outlet Voetbal International, stating: “Of course that’s annoying.”
Technical director Gerry Hamstra reckons Bassey will prove to be a success at the Dutch giants despite the early set back. Hamstra said: “He wasn’t able to play because his work permit has yet to come through.
“We don’t know when it will be cleared. Bassey is a boy who will immediately give us specific qualities.
“He may not come from the biggest league, but he has played in the Europa League Final. He has made very fast steps from his apprenticeship at Leicester.
“We think he can get even better and can be used immediately. But of course, we have a big squad now and he will have to fight for his pace like everyone.”
