European giants set to make Calvin Bassey most expensive Nigerian defender ever
Rangers star set to spark bidding war as clubs line up for his signature
Nigeria and Rangers youngster Calvin Bassey is said to be on the verge of a move to Dutch giants Ajax subject to the acceptance of the £19 million bid placed for the 22-year-old left-back.
Calvin Bassey Ughelumba caught the eye in the 2021-22 season as he played a starring role for Rangers in what was his breakout season at the Ibrox Stadium, culminating in a world-class performance for the Gers in their UEFA Europa League final defeat at the hands of Eintracht Frankfurt.
Bassey joined Rangers from Leicester City ahead of the 2020-21 season and played a bit-part role as the side claimed their first Scottish Premiership title in a decade. The versatile defender enjoyed a more prominent role in 2021-22, with his form for the club catching the eye of the Super Eagles coaches and earning him his first international appearances for the country.
The defender has been the subject of fierce transfer speculation, with Ajax said to be leading the race to sign the youngster. The Dutch champions have reportedly lodged an official bid of £19 million for the defender as they look to replace Lisandro Martinez, who has completed a £42 million move to Manchester United.
Bassey is set to join compatriots and fellow Super Eagles Joe Aribo, Chidera Ejuke, and Taiwo Awoniyi in completing a transfer this summer. If he completes the transfer, he would become the most expensive Nigerian defender in history.
