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Nigerian defender joins Ajax as Martinez replacement

Calvin Bassey at Rangers
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The Dutch side have added a new defender to their ranks ahead of the next season.

Calvin Bassey has left Rangers to join Ajax on a five-year contract.

The Super Eagles star established a reputation as one of the best defenders in Scottish football last season. His performances were crucial to Rangers‘ run to the Europa League final while they finished second in the Scottish league. 

Bassey will now start a new chapter in his career by joining Ajax, who are preparing to lose Lisandro Martinez. The Argentine defender is one the verge of moving to Manchester United on a £57.5m deal. 

Ajax has signed Bassey on a £22.5m deal, which is a record sale for Rangers. 

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A statement from the Dutch champions read: “Ajax has reached an agreement with Rangers FC and Calvin Bassey for the transfer of the defender to Amsterdam.

“The English-Nigerian player has signed a contract with Ajax that will take effect immediately and will run for five seasons, until June 30, 2027. Ajax will pay a transfer fee of EUR 23 million to Rangers FC. Including variables, that amount could increase to EUR 26.5 million.”

A versatile left-back, Bassey has also played as a centre-back in Rangers’ backline. He becomes Ajax’s second most expensive signing of all time, sitting behind Steven Bergwijn, who completed a £26m move from Tottenham earlier this summer.

Rangers have signed former Liverpool centre-back Ben Davis as Bassey’s replacement. 

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