Ajax
Forget Alderweireld – This £40m-rated prodigy could be Tottenham’s answer to a bright future
According to reports, Tottenham Hotspur are keeping an eye on £40m-rated Ajax starlet Matthijs de Ligt.
De Ligt has been earning rave reviews since last season for his solid defensive displays at Ajax. The Dutchman has garnered a lot of interest from Europe’s top elites, including Spurs, who are reportedly looking to replace centre-back Toby Alderweireld this summer.
Alderweireld has established himself as one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League. If the Belgian leaves in the summer, it surely would be a big blow for Spurs. That being said, it is better Spurs keep themselves prepared for Alderweireld’s departure and starting planning for his potential replacement.
How about Spurs acquire the services of Ajax defender Matthijs de Ligt? That’s exactly what they seem to be planning for.
De Ligt has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign with the Eredivisie giants this season. He has the top potential to be a cornerstone of the Ajax backline for the next decade.
The Dutchman played a vital role in Ajax’s run to last season’s Europa League final, where the Amsterdam outfit lost to Manchester United. Partnering De Ligt at the heart of Ajax defence throughout last season was Davinson Sanchez, whose impressive performances earned him a move to Tottenham last summer.
Since signing for Spurs, Sanchez has been a pillar of strength at the back, establishing himself as a first-choice centre-back alongside Jan Vertonghen. After Alderweireld suffered a hamstring problem, the Colombian stepped up, forming a formidable defensive partnership with Vertonghen.
The partnership still has a long way to go to match the understanding between Vertonghen and Alderweireld but early signs have been promising.
Seeing Sanchez quickly getting adapted to the Premier League, De Ligt’s head might turn. He could be attracted to move to Tottenham after watching Mauricio Pochettino straightaway placing faith in Sanchez, which in turn has seen his former Ajax teammate impress massively in the Premier League this season.
In fact, Spurs should go after De Ligt as an attempt to replace Alderweireld. As a product of the Ajax academy, De Ligt is naturally a composed, ball-playing centre-back, similar to Alderweireld’s style of play.
De Ligt is a physically imposing defender and the way he reads games is impressive, considering that he is just 18.
Davinson Sanchez
Pochettino has a history of nurturing young talents and if Alderweireld leaves this summer, the Spurs manager is unlikely to pursue a like-to-like, experienced big-money replacement. Instead, he would be better off spending the cash on a young, promising defender who can hit the ground running in the Premier League.
Spurs’ backline over the last few years has been heavily dependent on Alderweireld and Vertonghen. While Alderweireld could leave the club, Vertonghen has started ageing.
Pochettino must plan accordingly to replace the two Belgian centre-halves and while he has already signed Sanchez, acquiring De Ligt in the upcoming transfer window would be an uphill task. However, if he succeeds, it could turn out to be a masterstroke.
De Ligt and Sanchez, two talented youngsters, have all the potential to become the face of Spurs defence for the next decade and would help Tottenham become title contenders.
Ajax have completed a significant double recruitment coup, securing both Katja Snoeijs from Everton and Nadine Noordam from Brighton on long term contracts. The pair of Netherlands internationals return to their home country after establishing themselves across English football’s top tier.
Snoeijs departs Merseyside having scored 16 goals in 75 appearances for the Toffees, establishing herself as an established Netherlands regular during her time at Everton. The 29 year old joins on a free transfer following contract expiration. Noordam arrives after 39 appearances for Brighton including a memorable 95th minute winner against Liverpool that sent the Seagulls to the 2026 FA Cup final.
Experienced Talent Returns to Familiar Territory
Noordam’s return represents genuine homecoming after previous success in the Eredivisie where she won the league title alongside three KNVB Cups across spells with Ajax and ADO Den Haag. The 27 year old midfielder brings over 100 Ajax appearances alongside familiarity with club infrastructure and playing culture. Her Brighton spell saw inconsistent deployment often relegated to substitute roles, making this fresh start genuinely appealing.
The pacy box-to-box midfielder never quite established herself at international senior level despite her domestic quality, suggesting potential developmental opportunity through this move.
Ajax Target Champions League Progress
Ajax finished second last season just four points behind PSV champions, positioning themselves as genuine contenders for 2026-27. The dual signings suggest ambitions extending beyond domestic challenge toward European progression. Their Champions League qualifier against Brøndby on August 5th provides immediate competitive testing ground.
This recruitment feels strategically sound rather than desperate. Ajax identify proven performers returning home rather than chasing unknown prospects. That philosophy should deliver sustainable competitive improvement aligned with their European ambitions moving forward.
Also read: Manchester United Sign Spanish Defender Andrea Medina From Atletico Madrid on Three Year Deal
Nadine Noordam has rejoined Ajax on a three-year contract following her departure from Brighton Women.
The Dutch midfielder makes her return to the club where she previously established herself as a key player during her initial spell, bringing valuable English football experience back to the Eredivisie.
Noordam made 39 appearances for Brighton, delivering crucial contributions including a late winner in the Women’s FA Cup semi-final. She led the Seagulls’ assist chart during her tenure, demonstrating her creative capability and importance to attacking play. Her move back to Ajax represents a homecoming after significant personal development in England.
Experience and Leadership Return to Amsterdam
Ajax Technical Manager Dolf Roks praised Noordam’s return as providing immediate quality boost to their squad. The midfielder arrives as a natural leader capable of inspiring teammates while contributing genuine dynamism through work rate and football intelligence. Her previous Ajax tenure included 105 appearances alongside winning the Eredivisie title once and the Dutch Cup twice.
Roks specifically highlighted Noordam’s intimate club knowledge combined with newfound English football experience as valuable assets for their competitive ambitions. Her leadership qualities and tactical understanding should accelerate squad development under his management.
Established Player Brings Proven Pedigree
Noordam’s homecoming represents Ajax securing an established player at peak years rather than speculative youth investment. Her Brighton spell provided crucial testing ground at the world’s most competitive domestic league, exposing her to intensive physical and tactical demands. That experience should translate seamlessly back into Eredivisie football.
This transfer feels genuinely smart for both parties. Ajax regain a proven leader while Noordam returns home enriched by English football exposure. She brings exactly what Ajax need: immediate quality combined with genuine leadership credentials developed through challenging overseas experience.
Also read: Brighton Sign Poland International Forward Nadia Krezyman From Dijon FCO as Attacking Reinforcement
Calvin Bassey is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a left-back for the Premier League club Fulham and in this article, we will see about the player’s Net Worth, Girlfriend, Salary, Sponsors, Tattoos, Cars, and more
Calvin Bassey, originally known as Calvin Ughelumba, is a professional footballer born on 31st December 1999. He has represented both Italy and Nigeria, but currently plays for the Nigerian national team. Primarily a left-back or a centre-back, Bassey is known for his versatility and defensive prowess on the field.
Calvin Bassey has the potential to play a significant role for Fulham and the Nigerian national team due to his youth and strong club performances. He is a significant asset for any squad he plays for due to his adaptability, defensive prowess, and defensive prowess. Football fans may anticipate seeing more from this potential prospect in the years to come as he develops and gains experience.
Calvin Bassey’s Net Worth and Salary
Calvin Bassey made a name for himself as a prized commodity with a strong financial position. He plays for the Fulham club and competes in the English Premier League. Bassey earns £3,224,000 every year. His net worth is valued at £4 million. As his salary has reached a new level, Bassey’s overall net worth will witness a growth as well.
Calvin Bassey Club Career
Bassey began his football journey with Leicester City’s youth system at the age of 15, after impressing during a trial. He progressed through the ranks, showcasing his talent with regular appearances for the club’s under-18 and under-23 sides.
Bassey signed a pre-contract deal and later joined Scottish team Rangers on a free transfer in July 2020. On August 9, 2020, he made his professional debut with Rangers, entering the game as a substitute during a 3-0 Scottish Premiership victory over St. Mirren. He appeared in 65 games for the Rangers over the course of two seasons, greatly contributing to their success. During his tenure at the club, Rangers won the Scottish Premiership and the Scottish Cup.
Top European clubs were drawn to Bassey’s outstanding performances at Rangers, which prompted a significant transfer in July 2022. Ajax, a dominant force in the Dutch Eredivisie, acquired his talents for a roughly £20 million club record sum. His Ajax debut in the 2022 Johan Cruyff Shield (Dutch Super Cup) didn’t go as planned, though; only 15 minutes after entering the game as a replacement, he was given a direct red card. Bassey joined the Premier League club Fulham on a four-year deal and he started them for the 2024 EPL season. He has scored 2 goals in 77 matches.
Calvin Bassey International Career
Bassey had the choice of representing Italy, Nigeria, or England on the global stage. He decided to dedicate his future to Nigeria in 2021 and agreed to be called up for their 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. On March 25, 2022, against Ghana in a World Cup qualifying match that ended in a scoreless draw, he made his Nigerian debut. He was also part of the Nigerian team that finished as runners up of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Calvin Bassey Family
Calvin Bassey’s family on his life and profession is substantial. He was conceived on December 31, 1999, in Aosta, Italy. Kingsley Ikenna Ughelumba and Ebere Bassey Etim are his parents. Calvin has a close relationship with his brother, the English rapper Y.CB (actual name Matthew Bassey), who is best known for his work with the drill band 7th in the UK. Their friendship and support established a solid basis for Calvin’s football career.
Calvin Bassey’s Girlfriend
Calvin Bassey’s relationship status is not publicly known. There are no reports or indications regarding his girlfriend or romantic involvement. It is possible that he is currently single, as details about an athlete’s personal relationships are often kept private.
Calvin Bassey Sponsors and Endorsements
There is no specific information available regarding Calvin Bassey’s sponsors and endorsements. Sponsorship and endorsement deals are typically private agreements between the athlete and the respective brands or companies.
Calvin Bassey Cars and Tattoos
Calvin Bassey embraces a neat and tattoo-free appearance, allowing his performance on the pitch to command attention. He drives a stylish black Mercedes Benz off the pitch, which reflects his penchant for sophistication and class. Calvin’s distinct persona in and out of the football world is defined by his concentration on the game and his preference for a sleek vehicle.
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