Calvin Bassey has still to get a work permit to play for Ajax.
On July 20, following a couple of days of negotiations, it was announced that the Tribute Act had picked up a club record fee for the Nigerian defender.
Almost all transfer announcements are tailed with ‘subject to a work permit and international clearance’, strangely that work permit has still to be granted with Bassey missing out on Ajax’s pre-season friendly against Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday night.
Picking up on an interview with Technical Director Gerry Hamstra discussing Bassey with Ziggo Sport, Ajax Showtime reports:
Hamstra admits that Bassey, who played for Rangers FC, is not from the biggest league. “But he did play a Europa League final. He has made great progress from Leicester City to Glasgow and we think he can do even more. We think he can be used right away, but there are more in the wide selection that we have. He too has to fight for it. He is a boy who immediately gives us qualities and also has specific qualities.’
Bassey is missing against Shakhtar Donetsk. According to Hamstra, there is a clear reason for this. “His work permit still has to be arranged,” said the technical manager of Ajax.
On Friday Ajax play PSV Eindhoven in the Dutch Super Cup, the Eredivisie season starts on August 6 with an away match against Fortuna Sittard.
What happens if he can’t get a permit? Return to the huns with a refund demand? Oh that’d be hi- larious!