Former Fenerbahçe president Aziz Yıldırım is chasing Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey. He has gone to London to talk with the Fulham centre-back’s representatives, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.
Yıldırım has made Bassey his main target as he aims to win back the club’s presidency in the elections set for June 6 and 7.
The 73-year-old led Fenerbahçe for 20 years from 1998 to 2018. He wants to sign big-name Premier League players as part of his campaign. His goal is to bring Fenerbahçe back to the top of Turkish football, a position they have lost to their city rivals Galatasaray. Galatasaray has been strong, partly thanks to Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen.
Turkish outlet A Sports reports that Fenerbahçe has already held talks with Bassey’s representatives and also with Manchester City defender Nathan Ake in London. This shows they are serious about their interest.
Afrik-Foot adds that Bassey is at the top of a shortlist that includes West Ham United’s Malick Diouf and Manchester City winger Savinho. Still, the Nigerian international is clearly their top defensive target. Osimhen has even mentioned Bassey as one of the best defenders in Africa.
Bassey came through Leicester City’s academy before shining at Rangers. He joined Fulham from Ajax for over €20 million in 2023. Since then, he has played more than 100 matches for Fulham and scored four goals.
His contract at Craven Cottage lasts until June 2027. The club can extend it for another year. This means Fenerbahçe must make a strong offer to seal the deal.
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