Fulham are closing in on signing key centre-back target Calvin Bassey, as they chose him over Mohammed Salisu.
Fulham are closing in on a €21 million deal to sign Calvin Bassey from Ajax. Fabrizio Romano insists Marco Silva chose the centre-back instead of Mohammed Salisu, who was also heavily linked with a move to Craven Cottage.
Fulham have had a tumultuous transfer window so far, with some unresolved issues. That pertains to the future of Aleksandar Mitrovic, who continues to push for a move to Saudi Arabia. The club were also in danger of losing manager Marco Silva to the riches of the Saudis, but the Portuguese decided to continue in London.
Moreover, they convinced Willian to re-sign on a fresh deal but lost out to Tottenham in the chase for Manor Solomon. They also sealed a move for Raul Jimenez, who will act as a backup in Silva’s current system.
Things look good at Craven Cottage as Silva eyes further reinforcements before the season begins. The primary agenda for the manager will revolve around keeping his group intact, more importantly, midfielder Joao Palhinha.
Beyond that, he will need reinforcements in the wide attacking areas and central defence. Tosin Adarabioyo could leave as per Fabrizio Romano, with AS Monaco one of the sides pushing, although he also has Premier League interest.
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 🚨⚪️⚫️ #FulhamFC
Final details being sorted and then… here we go confirmed. pic.twitter.com/zH0zWY4oDc
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 26, 2023
Hence, signing a new centre-back seems imperative for Fulham, although Silva would have liked to add rather than replace. Calvin Bassey emerged as a target for the Cottagers, who may have had to battle for the Ajax star with Brighton.
Interestingly, Fulham were keen on Fiorentina’s Igor, but the Brazilian joined Brighton & Hove Albion. In turn, the Cottagers will now sign Bassey as their preferred choice of a left-footed centre-back, which will suit Silva’s tactical plans.
Fulham are closing in on an £18 million deal for a defender, with the Nigerian international the second key defender to leave Ajax this summer. Jurrien Timber joined Arsenal earlier, which significantly weakened the Eredivisie side.
Fulham also had the choice of signing Mohammed Salisu from Southampton and were pushing for an agreement. However, despite the belief that Silva wanted both him and Bassey, he was given a choice to have one, and he decided on the latter.
Bassey will improve this side significantly as Fulham aim to break into the European places next season. The 22-year-old will also have his first taste of Premier League football, having failed to make the grade at Leicester City earlier in his career.
