Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal are plotting a summer move for Fulham’s Nigerian defender Calvin Bassey as they prepare for the inaugural 2025 Club World Cup in the United States of America.
According to sources , the Riyadh-based club are keen to strengthen their defensive ranks following a dip in form from their centre-back pairing of Ali Al-Bulaihi and Kalidou Koulibaly. So are looking for reinforcements to ensure they compete at the highest level as the competition is set to feature 32 of the world’s best clubs.
Al-Hilal have therefore identified Bassey, 24 who is a mainstay in the Fulham defence since joining from Ajax in 2023 for €22.5 million.
Calvin Bassey has been representing
,Nigeria since March 2022 though Born in Aosta, Italy and has quickly become one of the most highly rated defenders in Africa with his Hard as Nail approach.
The Super Eagles star has made 29 appearances across all competitions this season, scoring twice and accumulating over 2,500 minutes on the pitch as his strength, versatility, and experience on the international stage have earned him 25 caps for Nigeria.
Al-Hilal are ready to Calvin Bassey to Saudi Arabia,and are willing to offer a four-year contract with an option for a fifth, along with an annual salary of €8 million, but this won’t come cheap, as his contract with Fulham runs until June 2027, with a release clause set at €25 million as Fulham won’t want to part with one of their key defenders, but who knows?Al-Hilal’s financial muscle could prove persuasive with Bassey’s ability to play as both a centre-back and full-back an asset.
His current market value estimated at €25 million makes him the most valuable Nigerian defender, placing him ahead of Nottingham Forest star Ola Aina (€20 million) and Slavia Prague ace Igoh Ogbu (€8 million).
Story by Ibrozano Adams
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