Super Eagles transfer: 19-time Turkish champions eyes Bassey as No.1 target

Former Fenerbahçe S.K. president Aziz Yıldırım has identified Calvin Bassey as the club’s number one defensive transfer target ahead of the summer window, Afrik Foot reports.

According to reports from Turkey, Yıldırım and his recruitment team are prioritising Premier League-based players as part of their plans to strengthen the squad, with Fulham’s Nigerian defender emerging as the preferred option for the left centre-back role.

Bassey joined Fulham from Ajax in the summer of 2023 and has gone on to play a century of games for the Cottagers, scoring four goals.

Ex-Fenerbahce president wants Bassey

Turkish outlet Fanatik, also claimed that Senegalese full-back Malick Diouf is being considered for the left-back position, while Manchester City winger Savinho is among the ambitious attacking targets on Yıldırım’s shortlist.

Born in Italy to Nigerian parents, Bassey came through the academy ranks at Leicester City. before making his breakthrough at Rangers, where he won the Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup.

His performances for the Super Eagles have also earned widespread praise, with compatriot Victor Osimhen previously naming him among Africa’s standout defenders.

Despite the growing interest, securing Bassey’s signature could prove difficult.

The 26-year-old remains under contract with Fulham until 2027, while the Premier League side also holds the option to extend his deal by an additional year.

That contractual situation places Fulham in a strong negotiating position, especially with Bassey regarded as a key figure in Marco Silva’s setup, although things could change since the contract situation of the Portuguese tactician is still up in the air.

Aziz Yıldırım served as the president of Fenerbahçe for two decades, from February 1998 to June 2018 and has actively re-entered the presidential race, promising to land huge Premier League talents if voted in.

Still, the 73-year-old recently moved to calm speculation surrounding Fenerbahçe’s transfer activity, insisting that many of the names circulating in the media are inaccurate and promising official announcements after the club elections in June.