Fulham Sign Defender Calvin Bassey from Ajax in €21m Deal
Fulham Football Club has officially announced the signing of defender Calvin Bassey from Ajax. The Athletic reported on Saturday that the clubs had reached an agreement on a transfer fee of around €21 million (£19 million, $24.4 million). Bassey has now signed a contract with Fulham until 2027, with the club having the option to extend it for another year. He will wear the No. 3 jersey during his time at Fulham.
Initially, Fulham had a bid of approximately £15 million rejected by Ajax. However, they were able to secure the deal by offering an increased sum along with a sell-on fee. Bassey expressed his excitement about joining Fulham, stating, “I know how big of a club Fulham is. They always have quality players, they’re playing in the Premier League, the best league in the world, so I didn’t have to think much about it.”
Bassey also mentioned the added bonus of joining a London club, saying, “It’s a London club as well, so it’s always a plus to go home! I’m happy it’s all done now and I can just focus on the football and help the team build on last season when they did amazing.”
The 23-year-old defender had four years remaining on his contract with Ajax. He had attracted interest from Brighton & Hove Albion as well. Bassey joined Ajax last summer after spending two years at Rangers, where he made 65 appearances and won the league title in 2021 and the Scottish Cup the following year.
During his time at Ajax, Bassey made 39 appearances, scoring one goal and providing five assists. It was a challenging season for the Dutch side, as they recorded their lowest Eredivisie finish since 2008-09. Bassey’s performances caught the attention of Fulham, who saw him as a valuable addition to their squad.
Bassey’s journey in football began in the youth academy at Leicester City. He made his debut for the Nigerian national team in March 2022 and has since earned 10 caps. His versatility as a defender and his ability to contribute offensively make him a valuable asset for Fulham.
In addition to the signing of Calvin Bassey, Fulham also recently completed the acquisition of striker Raul Jimenez. This signing comes amidst uncertainty surrounding the future of Aleksandar Mitrovic.
Fulham’s transfer activity this summer highlights their ambition to strengthen the squad and compete in the Premier League. With the addition of Bassey and Jimenez, Fulham aims to build on their impressive performance last season and continue to make strides in the top-flight.
The signing of Bassey represents a significant investment by Fulham, demonstrating their commitment to securing talented players who can contribute to the team’s success. The club’s willingness to pay a substantial transfer fee for Bassey indicates their belief in his potential and the impact he can make on the pitch.
As Fulham prepares for the upcoming season, fans eagerly anticipate seeing Bassey in action and witnessing his development as a player. With his experience at Rangers and Ajax, Bassey brings valuable knowledge and skills to Fulham’s defense.
Overall, Fulham’s acquisition of Calvin Bassey is a statement of intent as they look to establish themselves as a competitive force in the Premier League. The club’s ambition, combined with Bassey’s talent and potential, sets the stage for an exciting season ahead. Fulham fans can look forward to seeing Bassey donning the No. 3 jersey and contributing to the team’s success on the pitch.