Last summer, Ajax spent €23m to sign Calvin Bassey from Rangers when Giovanni van Bornckhorst was still in charge, prior to Michael Beale taking over at Ibrox.
It’s fair to say that the defender’s first year in Amsterdam wasn’t great. The local press often had a lot heavy criticism aimed towards his performances, with people claiming the signing was a disgrace, and he also lost the starting spot in the team in the past couple of months.
Now as Ajax played FC Twente at the weekend, striker Sydney van Hooijdonk actually praised the former Rangers defender (via Soccer News).
Speaking to Voetbal International, the attacker claimed that Bassey has been getting some unfair treatment in the Netherlands, as he’s actually a good centre-back.
“He is often ridiculed in the Netherlands, but I think Bassey is really tough as a defender.”
“I know that I am certainly not the only Eredivisie striker who thinks so. He’s fast, strong and he looks good, I found that a really difficult match.”
It turns out, however, that Van Hooijdonk’s comments may not be enough to save Bassey’ season. After covering the quotes, Soccer News still wonders whether Ajax will keep him for longer.
The Dutch side are still to appoint a new manager, and depending on his plans, the Eredivisie giants may have to force the defender’s departure just one year after his arrival from Rangers.
It’s just hard to see them recovering the €23m paid last summer.
