Rangers could lose Calvin Bassey
Glasgow Rangers could be set to lose highly-rated defender, Calvin Bassey, to Ajax, according to a report from Dutch outlet Voetbal International (via Sport Witness).
The lowdown: On the radar
This follows initial reports from talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook claiming that both Ajax and Brighton and Hove Albion were keen on Bassey.
The 22-year-old Nigeria international enjoyed a breakout campaign at Ibrox and was an integral part of Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side en route to the Europa League final – making a whopping 14 appearances in the competition.
However, now it appears as though the Gers may face a monumental battle to retain Bassey for the start of the 2022/23 season…
The latest: Contact made
As per Voetbal International, translated by SW, Ajax manager Alfred Schreuder is believed to have spoken ‘exclusively’ to the six-cap star.
It’s claimed that the Dutch Eredivisie giants have Bassey ‘in mind’ as a replacement for Manchester United-bound Lisandro Martinez, having admired the versatile defender for a ‘long time’.
The report also states that Schreuder is ‘charmed’ by the powerful left-back, who was hailed by ex-Hearts ace Michael Stewart as a ‘tremendous player’ after a standout performance against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Seville showpiece, containing four clearances, three interceptions and two blocked shots (Sofascore).
The verdict: Difficult to stop
Ultimately, should valuations be met this could be a deal that gets completed rather swiftly with the lure of UEFA Champions League action on the table, particularly when Ajax welcome a huge financial windfall of a mooted £46million from the sale of Martinez.
Standing at 6 foot tall, operating as a left-back and central defender in almost equal measure, Bassey was a tower of strength in Van Bronckhorst’s ranks throughout the duration of the 2021/22 season, impressing with his athleticism, work rate and determination whilst making a mammoth 50 appearances across all competitions in what was a gruelling campaign.
Holding a market value of £9million and under contract at Ibrox until 2024 (Transfermarkt), the Gers hierarchy are at least in a strong place when it comes to demanding the highest possible fee for their influential defender and should perhaps already be eyeing up potential replacements given this latest revelation.