Ian Robinson, Partner at Fragomen, the international immigration law firm:
“Badou Ndiaye’s situation is complicated. The FA would normally expect a Senegalese international to have played in over 60% of international games in the last two years, assuming he was available to play. Ndiaye has eight caps in total, so he’s unlikely to meet that condition.
“Stoke are therefore likely to have to apply for a points-based visa, meaning his transfer is far from certain. In the application, the club would need to score points on things such as his transfer fee, salary and the level he has been playing at.
Stoke would also need to submit papers setting out why they think he deserves a work permit, for an independent panel to consider. These assessments normally happen on paper, rather than in person, but should be completed today.
“Hopefully Ndiaye stands a good chance of getting a visa given the work Stoke has put into signing him, but the decision will ultimately be down to the independent panel.”