Calvin Bassey on Monday 18th July, completed his four-year €27M deal with Dutch giants, Ajax Amsterdam just two seasons after joining Rangers on a £230,000 deal from Premier League side Leicester City. This has made him the most expensive defensive signing in the entire history of Ajax.
The deal has seen the Super Eagle’s defender Bassey, become the club’s record departure after completing his deal as both Ajax and Rangers of Scotland agreed on a €22M initial fee which will potentially rise to €27M in add-ons.
Bassey who is capable of playing both at the heart of the defence and as a left-back is signed as a direct replacement for Lisandro Martinez who has agreed to join Manchester United and former boss Erik Ten Hag.
The Super Eagles left back, Bassey was instrumental for Rangers last season as he helped them to the UEFA Europa League final, coupled with a domestic title.
The defender, who still has two years left on his deal – made 50 appearances across all competitions last season and was named in the Europa League team of the season following the club’s run to the final.
He also played a key role as Rangers won the Scottish Cup in May, adding to the Scottish Premiership title he won the previous campaign.
The 22-year-old Nigerian defender moves ahead of fellow academy graduate Nathan Patterson who was signed by Everton in January for £16m as the club move towards full financial sustainability thanks to their player trading model – a key part of the Rangers board’s strategy.
