Destination England for Mohammed Kudus and Calvin Bassey?

Brighton coach Roberto De Zerbi aims to bring Mohammed Kudus to the Amex Stadium.

However, as reported by various sources, the move is not close to happening at the time of writing.

The Seagulls are said to be keenly interested in securing the services of the Ghanaian midfielder, who is also on the radar of top clubs across Europe, including Manchester United, following his impressive 2022/23 season at the Yohan Cruyff Arena.

Understand Mohammed Kudus is one of the top targets for Brighton this summer. He’s in the list, the interest is concrete. 🚨🔵 #BHAFC

Not an easy deal but Brighton like Kudus — no concrete talks with Chelsea.

Brighton have not opened talks for Koopmeiners at this stage. pic.twitter.com/9Qka5e46cE

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 24, 2023

The 2023 Ghana Footballer of the Year has a contract with Dutch giants Ajax that runs until 2025. It's understood that the 22-year-old rejected a one-year contract extension offered by the club in April, and is prepared to leave the Eredivisie should the right offer for both sides comes.

Mohammed Kudus in action for Ajax — Credit: Iconsport

Kudus scored 18 goals and assisted seven of his teammates' goals in 42 appearances in all competitions for Ajax last season. This has caught the attention of De Zerbi and Brighton's scouting team looking to make major additions to strengthen for next season.

It is worth knowing that Brighton qualified for the Europa League for the first time last season.

Brighton are interested in signing Ajax midfielder Mohammed Kudus as they assess their midfield options for the coming season 🔵 pic.twitter.com/2ws08u0MlL

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) July 3, 2023

With new arrivals, João Pedro from Watford (£30 million), Mahmoud Dahoud (free), and James Milner (free), the addition of Kudus and a few more signings to the Brighton set-up, will create an even bigger unit for a club dreaming of making the most of their debut season in European competitions.

The problem, however, is that Ajax are reluctant to part ways with the promising player, with reports suggesting that the Dutch club has maintained a firm stance on their £40 million valuation of the midfielder.

This is substantially more than what Brighton paid for João Pedro, who is the Seagulls' record signing at the time of writing.

Mohammed Kudus for Ajax — Credit: Iconsport

With such a hefty price tag on Kudus, if Brighton decides to proceed on with the deal, it would assuredly smash their record for the most expensive player purchase in the club's history.

But then, as the summer transfer window fills up, everyone is waiting to see if Brighton will agree to pay Ajax's asking price and sign the talented Ghanaian midfielder.

Why Brighton need further signings like Kudus

De Zerbi spoke to Sky Sports after his team qualified for the Europa League last season, and admitted the Seagulls will need to spend ahead of their European debut.

He said: “We are not ready to play three games in a row, three games per week. We are not used to playing three games in a row; we have to work in the transfer market, we have to build a stronger squad, with more players and then we have to improve.

“The season is finished which is bad news for me – it's difficult without football. I will go to Italy and will work with Tony Bloom and the club to improve the squad. This season was fantastic and we have to try and repeat it.”

It is on that note that Brighton have looked to bring further players to add to what they've already acquired so far this transfer window.

They're are also looking to add Super Eagles and Ajax defender Calvin Bassey to their set-up to help build on the defensive achievements of last season.

Bassey a Levi Colwill replacement?

The 23-year-old Bassey, who plays as a left-back or a centre-back, is an alternative to Levi Colwill, who was on loan at the club last season.

However, Chelsea dismissed their £30 million bid and are looking to retain the promising defender.

Calvin Bassey in action for Ajax — Credit: Iconsport

Bassey was on the radar of the Seagulls last summer, but he opted to join Ajax in a deal worth £18.7 million. But in an interesting twist of events, Brighton are now reigniting their interest in the versatile Nigerian defender, as reported by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano on Monday.

The Ajax defender was a product of Leicester City's youth system but didn't make a senior appearance for the club before joining Rangers on a free transfer in July 2020.

He made 65 appearances over two seasons for Rangers and won the Scottish Premiership and the Scottish Cup. In July 2022, he signed for Ajax, with Rangers receiving the highest transfer fee in their history.