Rangers has confirmed the departure of Calvin Bassey as he joins Eredivisie club Ajax for a fee in the region of £20 million.
The defender moved to Ibrox from Leicester City in 2020 and up until November 2021, played deputy to Borna Barisic at left-back. But he's enjoyed a rapid rise up the ranks and played a starring role in both Europa League and Scottish Cup finals last season. It's reported that he is joining Ajax for around £20 million but it could rise closer to £25 alongside performance-related add-ons.
Club academy graduate Nathan Patterson moved to Everton in January in a deal worth around £16 million while Joe Aribo's move to Southampton from Rangers earlier this summer may rise to £10 million. It represents significant profit for the Premiership side after bringing Aribo and Bassey in for cross-border compensation fees that totalled around £500k combined. The deal has been hailed by the Light Blues.
READ MORE: Kemar Roofe in shock Rangers transfer exit option as League One club 'considering' striker swoop
Sign up to Glasgow Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox
A club statement read: "Rangers Football Club can today confirm Calvin Bassey has joined Ajax in a deal which is the largest in Rangers’ history.
"Calvin leaves with best wishes from everyone at Rangers and we thank him for his hard work and commitment over the past two seasons.
"The 22-year-old joined Rangers from Leicester City for a Training Compensation Fee in the summer of 2020, making 65 appearances for the Light Blues.
"Bassey played his part in Rangers’ historic 55th league title victory, won the 2022 Scottish Cup, while also having a huge role in the incredible UEFA Europa League run to the final in Seville last season.
"We wish Calvin all the best for his future career."
An Ajax statement added: Ajax has reached an agreement with Rangers FC and Calvin Bassey for the transfer of the defender to Amsterdam.
"The English-Nigerian player has signed a contract with Ajax that will take effect immediately and will run for five seasons, until June 30, 2027.
"Ajax will pay a transfer fee of EUR 23 million to Rangers FC. Including variables, that amount could increase to EUR 26.5 million."
READ NEXT:
- Rangers' Champions League draw: Key dates, time, potential opponents and procedure
- The best Blackpool v Rangers photos as Light Blues create seaside pyro show and Tillman spotted
