In a recent report, Fichajes had claimed that Premier League side Chelsea are interested in signing Rangers FC defender Calvin Bassey and now according to The Telegraph, Aston Villa have also joined this transfer race.
The defender has been on song for Rangers this season and he was one of the key players who helped the Gers reach the Europa League final. Since joining Rangers in 2020, Bassey has played in 65 games across all competitions.
His contract with Rangers expires in 2024 but if two of the biggest Premier League clubs come calling then the defender is sure to stand up and take notice. It’s every player’s dream to play in the English top division and 22-year-old Calvin Bassey is no different.
Win or Lose, Calvin Bassey has been incredible!🔵
WHAT. A. PERFORMANCE. pic.twitter.com/Bj6gBtKjTF
— Footy Accumulators (@FootyAccums) May 18, 2022
Why do Chelsea and Aston Villa want to sign him?
Bassey is primarily a left-back but can also play at centre-back and this versatility is the primary reason why Chelsea and Aston Villa have been attracted to him.
Chelsea have an ageing central defender in the form of Thiago Silva plus Rudiger, Azpilicueta and Christensen will all be leaving in the summer. To make matters worse, the Blues are also set to lose Marcos Alonso and this external movement makes the interest in Calvin Bassey look very logical and apt.
He can play on the left as well in the centre meaning he can provide cover for Ben Chilwell and at the same time play as the third centre-back.
Aston Villa are more or less floating on the same boat as Chelsea because Steven Gerrard is looking for a backup to Lucas Digne on the left-hand side of defence. Matt Target has spent the latter half of the season on loan to Newcastle United and there’s a chance he could head for greener pastures in the summer.
Which team has a better chance of signing Calvin Bassey?
If Aston Villa or Chelsea come calling for Calvin Bassey, Rangers will be completely helpless but at least, the Gers will be able to get a handsome fee from his sale.
On paper, he will have a better chance of playing regularly at Aston Villa but Chelsea will lose several defenders in the coming months so in reality there’s a great chance that someone like Bassey can become a regular starter under Thomas Tuchel.
Azpi, Alonso, Rudiger and Christensen are exiting soon and since Tuchel plays in a 3-4-2-1 formation, he will have to bring in a few defensive reinforcements before the next season begins.
Aston Villa will obviously give a tough fight for Calvin Bassey but if Chelsea crank up their interest then Gerrard’s side will be completely blown out.
