Man United and Ajax legend Edwin van der Sar has been out refuting rumours the Dutch club signed ex-Rangers defender Calvin Bassey without scouting him.
The legendary former Netherlands goalkeeper is now the chief executive of the Dutch champions and has found himself in the firing line over the £23m signing of the Nigerian international.
Ajax broke the bank to bring Calvin Bassey to the Eredivisie after the defender had a stellar season at Rangers but it’s been a difficult season for Ajax who find themselves 2nd in a competitive Dutch top flight.
After also exiting the Champions League group stages – where the club played and beat Rangers twice to drop into the Europa League – there’s been plenty of scrutiny on the club’s transfer business.
Edwin van der Sar responds amid mounting Ajax Calvin Bassey pressure
Ajax underwent a dramatic summer of transition with manager Erik ten Hag joining Man United and several key players leaving the club.
New boss Alfred Schreuder is a man under pressure and Edwin van der Sar has moved to offer the transfer disruption as an excuse as to why the club has had a difficult campaign.
Calvin Bassey has also been in the firing line and amid rumours Ajax signed him without a scouting report, Edwin van der Sar has bitten back and claims the Dutch side would never sign anyone without due diligence.
“We have sold too many players. That is not a good start for a new trainer,” said Edwin van der Sar [Voetbal Primeur].
“Our scouting apparatus is not aimed at players who have a direct Champions League level, but at players with potential.
“Without scouting reports, no players are bought here. You shouldn’t believe everything you read in the newspaper.”
Edwin van der Sar is most synonymous with his time at Ajax and Man United, where he won the Champions League trophy with both clubs (1995, 2008), with the legendary goalkeeper also winning 130 caps for the Netherlands.
Calvin Bassey has made 19 appearances for Ajax since joining the club from Rangers in the summer, scoring once and playing in both games against his former club in the Champions League.
Meanwhile, one Rangers legend is set to take up an exciting new coaching role.
