Ajax defender Calvin Bassey has reportedly emerged as a potential target for Brighton and Hove Albion.
The Seagulls have already signed four new faces in this summer transfer window, with the likes of Joao Pedro, James Milner, Mahmoud Dahoud and Bart Verbruggen arriving at the Amex Stadium so far. Roberto de Zerbi is keen on adding a few more players, as the south coast side prepare for their first-ever European campaign next term.
According to The Athletic, Brighton have reignited their interest in Calvin Bassey as a possible alternative to Chelsea’s England Under-21 international Levi Colwill.
Levi Colwill, 20, enjoyed a breakthrough season on loan at Brighton, helping De Zerbi’s side finish sixth and qualify for the Europa League. This prompted Brighton to make a £30m bid to sign him permanently, but the Blues have rejected it with the west London club maintaining that Colwill is not for sale.
With no fresh proposal tabled for Colwill, Brighton have switched their attention to signing Ajax defender Calvin Bassey.
Calvin Bassey to Brighton—Decent option?
Brighton’s interest in Bassey, 23, goes back to last summer, when they showed extensive interest in the player before he chose to move to Ajax instead. He swapped Rangers for Ajax for a fee of £18.7 million, and despite the centre-back enduring a mixed debut season in Eredivisie, Brighton have retained their interest in him.
After signing a new goalkeeper, forward and two midfielders, Roberto de Zerbi now wants a left-sided central defender who can also cover for Pervis Estpuninan at left-back when required next term. And Bassey fits into that profile as a possible addition at the Amex Stadium.
With experience in both the Champions League and Europa League, as well as competing for the Scottish Premiership and Eredivisie titles, Bassey’s CV speaks for itself. He made 39 appearances for Ajax last term, registering a goal and five assists. It is an impressive return from a defender’s viewpoint, with his physicality and ability to attack set-pieces making the Nigerian international an invaluable asset.
Bassey may not have been entirely satisfied with his performances for Ajax, but at 23, there is room for improvement. De Zerbi quickly showed at Brighton last season that he can improve players, which could be alluring enough for Bassey to choose the Italian’s booming project at the Amex Stadium.
As Brighton prepare for the European nights, Bassey may well be the strong, versatile and fresh blood needed at the club. The Nigerian’s qualities on and off the ball and European experience go a long way toward explaining the Seagulls’ willingness to spend big on him this summer.