Brighton revive interest in Ajax defender Calvin Bassey

Brighton have set their sights on Ajax defender Calvin Bassey as a potential alternative to Chelsea youngster Levi Colwill.

Levi Colwill, 20, enjoyed a breakthrough season on loan at Brighton this past season, helping the south coast side finish sixth and qualify for the Europa League. This prompted Brighton to make a £30m bid to sign Colwill permanently from Chelsea, but the Blues have rejected their opening bid. New Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino and co-owner Todd Boehly are keen to keep hold of the youngster and want him to sign a new deal at Stamford Bridge.

This has prompted the Seagulls to start searching for Colwill’s potential alternatives. With Roberto de Zerbi prioritising a left-footed defender who can also operate at left-back and cover for Pervis Estupinan, Brighton have reportedly reignited their interest in Calvin Bassey.

Brighton were interested in Bassey, 23, last summer, when he Ajax from Rangers for £18.7million. He had a mixed debut season with Ajax, appearing 39 times across all competitions. Yet, Brighton have retained their interest in him.

Calvin Bassey would be a good fit at Brighton

For Brighton, it is all about strengthening their squad over the summer in order to challenge for the top four next season, as well as compete well in the Europa League. So far, they have done very well by adding the likes of Joao Pedro, James Milner, Mahmoud Dahoud and Bart Verbruggen to the squad.

Roberto de Zerbi now wants to add more depth to his defensive ranks, and having failed in his pursuit of Levi Colwill, he is keen to bring in Calvin Bassey from Ajax. Adam Webster struggled with injuries last season while Jan Paul van Hecke is not yet ready to start regularly in the Premier League, so there is room for someone like Bassey to come straight into De Zerbi’s starting XI and partner skipper Lewis Dunk at the heart of the defence.

The Nigerian international has gained valuable experience playing for clubs such as Rangers and Ajax, and as he is a product of Leicester City’s youth system, he shouldn’t necessarily find it too difficult to adjust to fast-paced life in the Premier League. Plus, the 23-year-old fits the profile of a left-footed defender De Zerbi is on the hunt for this summer, while his six-goal contributions in 39 appearances for Ajax could give Brighton a different dimension from set-pieces.

Having a versatile defender is often a boon, with clubs such as Man City and Arsenal reaping the benefits of having players capable of contributing both defensively and offensively. Likewise, Bassey is a versatile customer who has the qualities to make an immediate impact on De Zerbi’s Brighton side.

All in all, Bassey is a solid option as he ticks many boxes that Brighton look into while recruiting players; such as age, price and potential. So, it makes complete sense for the Seagulls to make a move for him.