Fulham Football Club is poised to strengthen their defensive lineup with the imminent signing of Ajax defender Calvin Bassey. The Cottagers have wasted no time in their summer transfer window activity, recently securing the services of Mexico international Raul Jimenez from Wolverhampton Wanderers in a £5.5m deal.
Now, attention has turned to bolstering the center of Fulham’s defense, especially with uncertainties surrounding the future of Tosin Adarabioyo. Calvin Bassey emerged as a potential target, and it seems the former Rangers defender is on the verge of joining the Premier League side.
Renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano reports that Fulham has reached an agreement with Ajax to acquire Bassey for a fee of €21m (£18m). The Nigeria international has already traveled with the team for their pre-season tour in the USA, and he is expected to undergo a medical evaluation later today.
The necessary paperwork is being finalized, and the Nigerian CB is anticipated to be officially unveiled as a Fulham player on Saturday.
Calvin Bassey’s football journey began in the youth ranks of Leicester City, although he departed the club in 2020 without making a senior appearance. However, he enjoyed a successful two-year spell with Rangers, winning the Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup during his time there.
The 23-year-old central defender also played a crucial role in helping Rangers reach the 2021-22 Europa League final before making a move to Ajax last summer. Despite facing some challenges and losing his place in the starting lineup towards the end of the season, Bassey made 39 competitive appearances for the Dutch club, contributing one goal and one assist.
As Bassey’s signing seems imminent, Fulham may need to make a decision on pursuing a deal for Southampton’s Mohammed Salisu. There have been reports of a fee being agreed upon for the 29-year-old defender, but the club might reconsider due to Bassey’s arrival and the potential bolstering of their defensive ranks.
