Calvin Bassey follows the footsteps of his fellow compatriot Joe Aribo in his transfer out of Scottish side Rangers FC this summer. The landmark of Nigeria players has started to gain prominence in Europe teams.
This time Calvin Bassey did not move to England just as his fellow Super Eagles star Joe Aribo, but will move to Dutch champions Ajax. He is expected to fill the void of already departed Argentine defender Lisandro Martinez to Manchester United.
This already confirmed transfer to the Netherlands club would be the biggest Nigerian transfer this window in terms of money move and club side (Ajax) if Victor Osimhen still remains in Napoli this summer.
The Super Eagles defender is now been unveiled by Ajax the dutch champions officially an Ajax player
Akwa Ibom boy Calvin Bassey unveiled as an Ajax player today as he signed a long-term contract today, with the shirt number 33.
Reports confirmed that Rangers and Ajax agreed on a €22 million guaranteed fee for his transfer with add-ons expected to be in the region of €5m.
There will also be a 10% sell-on clause on his contract according to Italian transfer expert and juggernaut, Fabrizio Romano.
“Calvin Bassey signs his contract as new Ajax player today, official statement to follow. Full agreement in place with Rangers as revealed on Saturday: €22m plus add-ons and 10% sell-on clause.
“No issues, it’s done – Bassey will be unveiled as new Ajax signing soon.”
Bassey has joined his compatriot and former club teammate, Joe Aribo in leaving Ibrox after both starring last season for the Gers.
The 22-year-old Bassey is a Leicester City Academy graduate. He was born in Italy and played Futsal when he was younger. He found breakthrough in Scotland where he helped Rangers lift their 55th league title last year and also make it to the Europa League final this year.
Consistency and Rise of Nigerians Stars
The degree of firmness of current Super Eagles stars across Europe has identify by football pundits and analysts as a major factor for their rise.
Victor Osimhen led that move after his fine and consistent form with his former french team Lille and later in Napoli. Osimhen has maintained and improve on his quality on the pitch over time which has made him to be monitored by top European giants like Bayern Munich, Chelsea, and arsenal this summer. He still remain the most expensive and valuable Nigeria player currently in world.
Consistency in their respective teams has made the likes of Taiwo Awoniyi to be grabbed by newly promoted English side Nottingham Forest from Union Berlin, likewise Joe Aribo to Southampton. Aribo played one of the most games as a payer for Rangers last season than any rangers players.
Joe Aribo played a strategic role his under former boss Steven Gerrard and Rangers back to back league titles, regarded as one most Rangers tactical player. The Super Eagles man is known for his technical skills and football control and by extension creative abilities and center piece of Rangers league dominance.
In the french Ligue 1 Moses Simon is one Nantes best player who single handedly gave his side Coppe de France. Moses has played consistent role in Nantes successful 2021/22 season.
The consistent role of Wilfred Ndidi cannot be underestimated, as the Leicester midfieder is one of fox's strategic pillars for the Bredan Rodgers plans.