Inter Milan Eyes Calvin Bassey After Captain’s Masterclass at Anfield

PHOTO CREDIT: Punch Nigeria / Fulham FC
Inter Milan Eyes Calvin Bassey After Captain’s Masterclass at Anfield
Nigeria international Calvin Bassey delivered a commanding performance as Fulham captain on Saturday, leading the Cottagers to a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Liverpool at Anfield — their first point of the 2025/26 Premier League season.

The 26-year-old centre-back played the full 90 minutes, winning 100% of his ground duels, making 5 clearances, 3 ball recoveries and 1 interception to keep Liverpool’s attack at bay. It was Fulham’s best defensive display of the season after three narrow defeats to Chelsea (3-2), Crystal Palace (3-2) and Sunderland (1-0).

Bassey, who was named Fulham’s Player of the Season for 2024/25, has now made 105 appearances for the London club since joining from Ajax in July 2023 for €21m — a record fee for a Nigerian defender. He was handed the captain’s armband this season by manager Alvaro Arbeloa in the absence of injured Tom Cairney.

Speaking before the Liverpool game, Bassey had said:
“It is not going to be easy. You know what is coming when you play Liverpool, they have top players. It is just about doing our homework and seeing how we can hurt them.”
His rise from Leicester City academy to Rangers, where he won an unbeaten Scottish Premiership title and reached the Europa League final in 2022, then to Ajax and Fulham, has been built on pace, power and composure.

That consistency is now attracting top European interest. According to reports, Serie A champions Inter Milan are closely monitoring Bassey. Inter boss Cristian Chivu is said to see the left-footed defender as a perfect fit for his system — able to operate as a left centre-back in a back three and as a conventional left-back.

Inter, looking to refresh an ageing backline, have tracked him over several windows. Bassey’s current deal at Craven Cottage runs until summer 2027, with an option for an extra year, and Fulham are reportedly preparing to open talks over a new long-term contract to ward off suitors.

For now, Bassey’s focus remains on stabilizing Fulham’s season and leading the Super Eagles defence in the upcoming AFCON qualifiers.
SOURCE: Punch Nigeria