Former Dutch international Willem van Hanegem is hoping to see Calvin Bassey rediscover his spark at Premier League outfit Fulham after a difficult season at Ajax.
It would be no exaggeration to suggest that Calvin Bassey, the second-most expensive signing in the history of one of Europe’s most storied football clubs, became almost a figure of ridicule at the Johan Cruyff Arena.
Former Ajax midfielder Kenneth Perez went as far as to label the former Rangers ace ‘pathetic’; His attempts to carry the ball out from the back reminiscent of Bambi in ice skates.
Bassey, then, returns to Britain with a point to prove, and with a reputation to restore.
Fulham are signing Ajax’s Calvin Bassey
Dutch publication Voetbal International report that Fulham have agreed an £18 million deal with Ajax. The one-time Leicester City youngster will undergo a medical at Craven Cottage sooner rather than later.
And Van Hanegem, a legend of Ajax’s bitter rivals Feyenoord, believes that Bassey can prove his doubters wrong, suggesting that the Amsterdam giants have been a little quick to cash in on the Nigeria international.
“I wouldn’t have gotten rid of him,” Van Hanegem tells Algemeen Dagblad. “I hope he does very well at Fulham.”
Bassey shone as Rangers reached the Europa League final in 2022, producing outstanding performances against the likes of Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig. In hindsight, a club like Ajax – where supreme levels of technique are expected from everyone – was perhaps an odd move for a player who’s athleticism and expert positioning caught the eye more than his passing range at Ibrox.
“I believe he has the quality to be one of the best in Europe, and in his generation,” Nigeria legend Taribo West argues.
“I’ve seen him play a couple of times for Nigeria. I think he has great quality. With what I have seen in him, he needs a lot of dedication, discipline and hard work. The sky is his limit.”
At Fulham, Bassey could be a young understudy and eventual replacement for the 35-year-old Tim Ream. He will also provide competition for Antonee Robinson at left-back.
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