Fulham are on the hunt for a new defender ahead of the 2023/24 Premier League season. The Whites have stepped up their search and have identified Ghana’s Mohammed Salisu and Ajax and Nigeria’s Calvin Bassey the two prime candidates.
The London outfit are in the market for a specific profile of defender and both defenders appear to fit the needs of their club. Both players are left footed players who play a front foot and aggressive style which Fulham are currently looking to add to their ranks ahead of the 2023/2024 season.
Fulham are advancing in talks to sign Mohammed Salisu after £15m bid sent for the centre back — trying for both Salisu and Bassey, waiting for Bassey’s green light. 🚨⚪️⚫️ #Fulham
Tosin Adarabioyo, expected to leave as many clubs want him — AS Monaco have his name in the list. pic.twitter.com/3UZquclj7a
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 22, 2023
They are also looking to sign one of these defenders because one of their current starting center backs in Tosin Adarabioyo looks set to move clubs this summer with Ligue 1 side, AS Monaco rumored to be one of the many clubs interested in the Englishman of Nigerian descent.
Fulham plot double move for Salisu and Bassey
Black Stars of Ghana international, Mohammed Salisu currently plays for English Championship side, Southampton who were relegated from the Premier League last season.
Although last year was not a good year for him or his club, Salisu is a good player who possesses qualities that are above Championship level. It is no surprise that a Premier League club like Fulham are looking to acquire his services.
Salisu, 24, signed for the Saints from Real Villadolid in 2020 and has been a good signing for them in his three seasons at the club. He was a key player who has played 68 Premier League games in that time (80 times in all competitions) and started 62 of them.
Calvin Bassey on the other hand, will be moving into a new League after an unsuccessful spell at Ajax. He signed for the Dutch giants last summer after a great spell at Scottish giants, Rangers that saw him win the Scottish Premiership and Scottish cup.
The 23-year-old’s time at Ajax was not the greatest as he was criticized by fans for his on ball ability. The situation the club found themselves in was not the best either, as they were trying to figure out life after Erik Ten Hag, who moved to Manchester United.
Now it looks like he may be moving clubs again and the settled environment of Fulham who is managed by Marco Silva may actually help him find his form and confidence as he is a talented player.
Although both players are being considered by Fulham, only one of them will be signed by the club. According to Fabrizio Romano, negotiations for both players are at an advanced stage but only one of the two players will be signed in this window.
Understand Fulham have decided to go for just one left footed CB between Calvin Bassey and Mohammed Salisu despite talks for both ⚪️⚫️ #FulhamFC
Negotiations are very advanced with Bassey; club now hoping for medical tests this week. Salisu deal on but AS Monaco also keen. pic.twitter.com/iEkh7VnCGW
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 24, 2023
Fulham move could be beneficial for both players
With both players being of similar age and profile, Salisu’s Premier League experience may swing the pendulum his way but last season notwithstanding, Calvin Bassey is definitely one of the more talented young defenders around.
Both players are capable of being starters for their respective National teams and will be hoping to move to a club that increases their chances of making AFCON 2023.
This article was most recently revised and updated 1 year ago
