Calvin Bassey is the perfect example of how Rangers should operate in the transfer market.
Not just buying low and selling high, but in identifying a talented youngster, developing him and then watching him kick on to the next level.
Now, Calvin Bassey has taken another step forward by returning to England and the Premier League with Fulham in a deal that is close to completion, as reported by Fabrizio Romano.
The transfer supremo gave the thumbs up for the £18m move that sees the Nigeria international move for almost exactly the same fee that Ajax paid to Rangers.
Unfortunately, as already reported by Rangers News, Michael Beale won’t be seeing any extra money in his transfer kitty from the deal.
Calvin Bassey now needs to pin down one position with over 100 senior games under his belt now.
His athleticism will always see him considered as a left-back but his recovery pace makes him ideal for the middle of defence.
“Fulham are closing in on Calvin Bassey deal — medical has been booked, deal in place for €21m. He’s always been the fav option over Salisu as new left footed CB
“Final details being sorted and then… here we go confirmed.”
At Rangers, he could be seen switching off to runners when he played centrally so it may be that his skill set suits being at left back more.
Fulham weren’t the sort of team to try and sit in and defend a lead last season and Bassey will have to do more defending than he did at Ajax or Rangers.
What this move does though, is open the door to bigger teams in the Premier League, should he impress at Craven Cottage.
This is why, whenever Rangers pick up an unknown academy prospect from England or beyond, judgement should be reserved until after they have left the club, not when they arrive.
Three seasons as a senior footballer, two transfers for around £20m?
I reckon big Calvin is doing alright for a player who was written off by many before he had even kicked a ball for Rangers
