Ajax
This 27-year-old Ajax powerhouse would be ideal for West Ham to provide competition for Ryan Fredericks
Why Ajax’s Joel Veltman would be a brilliant fit at West Ham
Last season’s first signing on a free transfer for West Ham, Ryan Fredericks has started the new Premier League campaign as the club’s undisputed first-choice right-back. He started the third game in succession in Saturday’s 3-1 victory over Watford.
To make things clear, the 26-year-old failed to impress and put in a questionable performance for the Hammers once again.
Fredericks’ deputy, Pablo Zabaleta, 34, signed a new contract at the London Stadium at the end of last season, as Manuel Pellegrini wanted to keep him at the club. But the Argentinean is past his prime and is no longer the force he once was in his prime.
In fact, he isn’t apparently competing with Fredericks for the right-back spot, giving the former Fulham man a free run in Pellegrini’s starting XI.
In July, the Daily Mail had claimed that West Ham were interested in signing Ajax defender Joel Veltman during the summer transfer window.
The Ajax star was open to leaving Amsterdam this summer, but a move didn’t materialise. However, Pellegrini should reignite his interest in Joel Veltman and try signing in January.
Veltman, 27, was on the treatment table for large quarters of this last season to nurse an ACL injury that he had suffered towards the end of the 2017-18 campaign.
However, he returned to action for Ajax in February and made 14 appearances in all competitions, as Erik ten Hag’s side clinched the Eredivisie title and made it all the way through to the semi-finals of the Champions League.
The 27-year-old is a product of the famed Ajax academy, noted for his versatility to play in multiple positions across the backline. Essentially a right-back by trade, he is equally adept at playing as a centre-back and he has played both roles to excellence for Ajax for the years.
Veltman’s major strengths are his energy, positional awareness and understanding of the game. He can whip in some delightful crosses from the right flank and is a proper modern-day right-back, comfortable with the ball at his feet and more than capable of carrying it out from the back.
The Dutchman can hold his own at the back, possessing the defensive abilities to nullify the danger before it becomes grave.
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However, the physicality of the Premier League might trouble the 27-year-old a bit. But, he has the experience of playing at the big stages before so that should also be a big plus for West Ham.
Verdict
With Zabaleta coming to the end of his career, the Hammers should be wise to invest in a new right-back in January to compete with Fredericks.
And Veltman would be the right fit, as the Dutchman’s defensive prowess, experience, versatility and leadership qualities could make a lot of difference for the east London outfit.
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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