OFFICIAL: Fulham Announces The Signing Of Nigerian Defender Calvin Bassey From Ajax.

Fulham have confirmed the signing of defender Calvin Bassey from Ajax on Friday night.

The highly rated defender underwent a medical at Craven Cottage, after both clubs had agreed a transfer fee in the region of €21million (£19m, $24.4m).

The Premier League club had seen an initial offer of around £15m rejected but Ajax accepted an increased sum plus a sell-on fee, with the move  subject to international clearance, which the Cottagers say they expect to come early next week.

Bassey, who had four years left on his Ajax contract, also attracted interest from Brighton & Hove Albion. 

He has now signed a contract with Fulham until 2027, with an option for a further year, and will wear the No 3 while at Fulham. 

Bassey becomes the Cottagers' second signing of the summer, following Raul Jimenez's transfer for £5.5 million from Wolves this week, amid continued uncertainty of the future of their star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic.

Joining the journey... 🌴 pic.twitter.com/Gij3Y6PFbu

— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) July 28, 2023

 The 23-year-old Nigerian progressed through Leicester City's academy before joining Rangers for a reportedly £230k bargain. He only spent two years at the Scottish club, where he made 65 appearances in total, winning the league title in 2021 and the Scottish Cup the following year. 

In the summer of 2022, he was sold to Ajax for a club record £20m.

He went on to make 39 appearances for Ajax, scoring one goal and providing five assists, featuring in all their Champions League fixtures, in what was a difficult year for the Dutch outfit, who recorded their lowest Eredivise finish since 2008-09.

Internationally, Bassey, made his debut for the Nigeria's Super Eagles in March 2022 and has won 10 caps so far.

“I know how big of a club Fulham is. They always have quality players, they’re playing in the Premier League, the best league in the world, so I didn’t have to think much about it!”, Bassey said after the move.

“It’s a London club as well, so it’s always a plus to go home! I’m happy it’s all done now and I can just focus on the football and help the team build on last season, when they did amazing.”

Predominantly a centre back, Bassey is also capable of providing cover at left back, which will be required following the departures of Joe Bryan and Shane Duffy. 

Fulham finished 10th last season on their return to the Premier League. They will be hoping to avoid a relegation scrap and eye another top half finish next season.