West Ham United are still expected to sign Frederik Alves Ibsen from Silkeborg in January but new post-Brexit rules will make striking an agreement more difficult than before, according to Ekstra Bladet.
Fortunately for the Hammers, they appear to be well down the line in their attempts to sign a Denmark U21 international from Scandinavian football.
BT reports Alves Ibsen was in London a few weeks ago for talks with the Premier League outfit and is likely to be handed a contract until 2024.
Silkeborg director Kent Madsen, meanwhile, told Midtjyllands Avis the defender’s departure was merely a “formality”, with Silkeborg expected to bank a fee in the region of £2.5 million.
However, Madsen did add a work permit would still need to be obtained.
Ekstra Bladet, meanwhile, points out that, in the post-Brexit world, it will be more difficult than ever to get around those pesky permit regulations.
Premier League clubs will be prevented from signing U18 footballers from abroad – Alves Ibsen, fortunately, is 21.
But, as explained on the FA website: “Players from EU countries who want to play in the Premier League or EFL will be required to gain a GBE (Governing Body Endorsement).”
Ekstra Bladet suggests Alves Ibsen is likely to be denied a GBE, making it all the more important West Ham can finalise an agreement with Silkeborg before the new rules come into force on 1 January.
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