Calvin Bassey while playing for teh under-23 Leicester City side. (Getty Images)
According to Daily Express, Rangers have sealed the signing of Leicester City youngster Calvin Bassey on a four-year deal.
Valued at £3million, Scottish side Rangers have managed to secure the services of Basset for a mere sum of around £230,000 due to the cross border compensation rules.
The 20-year-old thus becomes Steven Gerrard’s second signing ahead of next season following another youngster Ianis Hagi’s permanent move from Genk a few days ago.
A Leicester academy product, Bassey, however, has never featured for their senior side. A regular within the Foxes under-23 side, left-back Bassey has made 22 appearances this term and has one assist to his name.
Predominantly a full-back, Bassey is also equally capable of playing as a centre-back, having done so 10 times out of his 16 Premier League 2 appearances this season.
He has also managed five clean sheets in the process, helping the Leicester under-23 side to second place in the league table. Having proved himself already for the Foxes reserves squad, it is not a big surprise Rangers bought him.
Rangers at present, have only one left-back – Borna Barisic within their ranks. The 27-year-old has been Gerrard’s obvious first-choice man at left-back and has made 22 league appearances this term.
He has also managed five clean sheets in the process, helping the Leicester under-23 side to second place in the league table. Having proved himself already for the Foxes reserves squad, it is not a big surprise Rangers bought him.
He is the side’s joint second-highest assist provider in the Scottish Premiership alongside teammate Joe Aribo, with eight under his belt. He has also scored two goals, proving Gerrard’s decision to hand him the first-team duties right.
However, Rangers still lack depth in that role and Bassey’s arrival will sort that issue. Having proved himself in England, the youngster could also provide Barisic competition for a starting role next season.
Also, his versatility at the back will offer Gerrard plenty of options next season, with the side currently having just four centre-backs in their midst. Moreover, he is young and could prove to be an excellent signing for the future. Hence, Bassey’s arrival will only bolster the Rangers squad, and the decision to sign Bassey seems like a wise move by the club.
Though Rangers have done a good job finishing second in the Scottish Premiership, they still haven’t managed to topple champions Celtic. Bassey’s inclusion will add more depth to their squad and offer manager Gerrard plenty of options next season in their pursuit of reaching the top. Also, he is still young and can develop under the guidance of Gerrard.
