The arrival of Calvin Bassey at Ajax points to a fresh start for the defender and the continuation of a Nigerian tradition of excellence.
For a player signed on a compensation fee from Leicester City to become a club record transfer, Calvin Bassey is on a career path many can only wish for.
The Glasgow Rangers Record Transfer and UCL Factor
Calvin Bassey joins Ajax on a permanent deal from Rangers for a €22m fixed fee plus add-ons and a sell-on clause.
That figure blows away Rangers’ previous record sale, currently set at the £11m the Scots sold Nathan Patterson to Everton for in January.
After signing, the super eagles’ defender takes fans into his decision to sign for Ajax.
“Why did I join Ajax?
Big club; with a lot of history, they play good football, playing in the #UCL
no, brainer.
Calvin Bassey: The Nigerian Tradition Of Excellence At Ajax
Ajax has featured Nigerians Like Finidi George, Kanu Nwankwo, and Sunday Oliseh, amongst others, over the years.
Bassey Is towing the Illustrious path, and one of them, Finidi George, shares the expectations for Ajax and Bassey.
“He’s a young player, and Ajax loves to work with young players. They will give him a lot of support he will need to succeed. Some Nigerian players have played for Ajax, Oliseh, Babangida(Tijani), and the rest.
Amsterdam is a good city. He is going to make it.
The Johan Cruyff ArenA would be an excellent prospect for the Italy-born player to continue his development in a team and system that would be a good fit for his qualities.
“They give them(young players) the confidence to play football. Bassey will be able to improve more than we see now, Ajax will make him feel at home, and the rest is just for him to blend in.
Bassey is the Seventh Nigerian at the club, with most of them excelling at the Johan Cruyff Arena and the national team.
Meanwhile. Bassey’s arrival came with fanfare and razzmatazz of a new signing, the first Nigerian didn’t get such.
Furthermore, Finidi George shares his day-one experience from Lagos to Amsterdam.
“They did not sign me directly. I travelled from Lagos, and they picked me up at the airport and to the hotel to rest. Next day i joined the other players somewhere at an holiday-Inn on the outskirt of Amsterdam and started playing. All those razzmattaz, unveiling, stadium. They didn’t do it for me”. Finidi concludes.