Manchester United great pleased with Ajax’s Calvin Bassey signing

The Nigerian international joined Ajax on a long-term deal in midweek in what is considered an astute signing by the Dutch giants

Ajax Amsterdam chief executive officer Edwin van der Saar has lauded his team for putting in the hard work that ensured the signing of Nigerian defender Calvin Bassey.

The Eredivisie champions opened the exit doors for several players this summer, with Ivorian striker Sebastien Haller (to Borussia Dortmund), midfielder Ryan Gravenberch (to Bayern Munich), and Argentine defender Lisandro Martínez (to Manchester United) leaving for different destinations.

Goalkeeper André Onana and centre-forward Danilo Pereira also left on a free transfer to Inter Milan and Feyenoord, respectively.

But the sale of the first three players alone fetched Ajax more than €100 million and a transfer kitty that has been put to proper use.

Led by Van der Saar and his team, the Dutch giants welcomed the arrival of two ‘important players’ in three days.

From Glasgow Rangers, Ajax signed Super Eagles star Calvin Bassey on July 20 for a Nigerian transfer record for a defender. And two days later, striker Brian Brobbey arrived from RB Leipzig for just over 16 million euros.

Edwin van der Saar, one of Manchester United’s greatest ever goalkeepers, is pleased with his club’s transfer dealings.

And the Ajax CEO is convinced that with Bassey and Brobbey, the club will head into the 2022-23 campaign prepared.

Writing on his Twitter account, Van der Saar said: “Busy couple of days at the offices in Amsterdam but through a lot of teamwork and dedication, we managed to sign two important players. Team is working hard together in preparation for the new season.”

In what has been a fantastic 2022 for Calvin Bassey, the 22-year-old made his Super Eagles debut, won a few individual awards, won the Scottish Cup, played in the final of the Europa League, and completed a dream move to Ajax.