Why Tottenham Must Splash £45m On Ajax Sensation Matthijs de Ligt
According to the Sun, Tottenham Hotspur are lining up a £45million summer swoop for Ajax teenage prodigy Matthijs de Ligt. Mauricio Pochettino sees De Ligt as the long-term replacement for Toby Alderweireld, who is set to leave Tottenham at the end of the season.
Alderweireld has established himself as one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League. Physically imposing and technically solid, the Belgian has gained a lot of experience since moving to England from Atletico Madrid a few years ago.
With Alderweireld set to depart in the summer, Spurs need a centre-half capable of filling the big boots of the Belgium international.
Speaking about Tottenham’s interest in De Ligt, the Dutchman is one of the hottest young prospects in European football. Rising through the famed Ajax academy, De Ligt has played more than 50 times for the Dutch giants despite being just 18 years old.
The Dutch defender caught everyone’s eyes with a string of commanding displays in Ajax’s run to the Europa League final last season and has continued to impress this campaign. He possesses all the ingredients of a modern centre-back, having the confidence and understanding of the game at such a tender age.
Matthijs De Ligt
De Ligt is supremely poised and incredibly comfortable with the ball at his feet. The Ajax system is based on ball possession that requires extremely gifted centre-backs that can keep the ball and churn possession. De Ligt has that attribute as he often looks to maraud forward with the ball and play quick passes between the lines. He also possesses the ability to play a long diagonal cross right to the feet of a winger.
What makes De Ligt stand out from other defenders of his age is his extreme composure and ability to remain unflustered in pressure situations. He is powerful, commanding, very aggressive and has the pace to fall back and dispossess a player. Not to forget, the 18-year-old is also very accomplished in tackling and is a threat from set-pieces.
De Ligt has all the qualities required to go on and establish himself as a top centre-half but he is still a rough diamond and has few weaknesses to work upon.
A manager like Mauricio Pochettino would be ideal to shape his rough edges of the game and take his game to the next level. Because of his strong frame, De Ligt would also be able to compete physically in the Premier League, leading to an easy transition from Dutch to English football.
Ajax will fight tooth and nail to keep hold of a player they have developed for the past ten years but Spurs must get De Ligt on board this summer as the young Dutchman has sky-high potential to be a rich success in North London.
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.
Read More:
- Liverpool14 years ago
Raheem Sterling Age 17 Kids 3 Women 2
- Arsenal14 years ago
Etienne Capoue To Become An Arsenal Player In Summer
- Arsenal13 years ago
Robin van Persie wants to move back to Arsenal
- Arsenal14 years ago
Report: Arsenal Could Sign A Striker Next Week
- Headlines14 years ago
Manchester United Preparing A (Javier Hernandez + De Gea + 55 Million) Bid For Ronaldo
- Arsenal14 years ago
Arsenal Planning To Bring In ‘Next Fabregas’
- Headlines13 years ago
Three Reasons Why Manchester United Must Sign This “Next Vidic”
- Arsenal14 years ago
Nike Are In A Three Way Battle For Shirt Sponsorship With Arsenal, Man United And Man City