Joseph Yobo has called on Calvin Bassey to remain at Fulham for at least one more season, advising the Nigerian defender to continue building consistency before considering a high-profile move away from the Premier League side.
The 26-year-old has enjoyed a standout campaign with Fulham, establishing himself as a commanding figure at the heart of their defence.
With the summer transfer window approaching, Bassey has been linked to several clubs, including Saudi giants Al Hilal.
Despite this growing interest, Yobo, a former captain of Nigeria’s national team, believes Bassey’s best move is to stay put—for now.
“I admit I was surprised by his meteoric rise. At the beginning of his career, he was a physically fragile player. But in recent years, he’s gained some depth, especially this season with Fulham. I think he’s having the best season of his career,” Yobo said.
Yobo praised Bassey’s defensive resilience and composure on the pitch, comparing him to Nigerian football legend Stephen Keshi.
“He is tough in his defensive interventions. He commands respect from attackers, he is strong in one-on-ones and has developed a tactical culture that allows him to position himself well to counter attackers,” Yobo noted. “Calvin exudes maturity and great serenity in his game.”
The former Everton and Fenerbahçe defender acknowledged Bassey’s growing stature in the transfer market but stressed the importance of continued development in a stable environment.
“Calvin Bassey clearly has a bright future ahead of him, but I believe he still needs to take the time to assess the many offers and interest coming from other clubs.
At Fulham, he is in a healthy environment that allows him to express his talent and qualities,” Yobo said.
“Would he be able to repeat the same routines at a club where he would be under a lot more pressure? That’s the big question.
I honestly think he needs to try to get one more season at Fulham before considering a possible transfer.”
Bassey, who joined Fulham in July 2023 from Ajax Amsterdam for €22.5 million, has since earned 25 caps for Nigeria.
His performances at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations also drew praise, particularly for his partnership with Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong.
“With Nigeria, he’s gaining stripes. During the last AFCON, he was impressive in terms of generosity and selflessness. He’s one of the key players in the national team today and forms an iron defensive tandem with captain William Troost-Ekong, and that’s a good thing for us,” said Yobo. “I hope he and his teammates win the next AFCON in Morocco.”
As Fulham prepare to face Chelsea in their next Premier League outing, all eyes will remain on Bassey—not just for his performances, but for the decisions he may make about his future.
