West Ham, Wolves, Barnet turned down chance to sign Leicester academy product Bassey
Published: February 16, 2023.png)
Apart from London trio Crystal Palace, Leyton Orient and Charlton Athletic, Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey has further revealed that Wolverhampton Wanderers passed up the chance to sign him.
Bassey's youth team coach Carlos Santos added that Bassey was rejected by two other London clubs West Ham United and Barnet FC, before his move to Leicester City at U16 level.
Born in Italy to Nigerian parents, Bassey grew up in a suburb of London and had a first hand look on how a few classmates and friends ended up in crime.
The versatile center back didn't allow that influence him as he knew he has a future in football, though he was rejected by several professional football clubs and was close to throwing in the towel until Leicester City contacted him.
The Foxes decided to sign Bassey after he caught the eye in a trial game and he grabbed the opportunity with both hands.
Speaking to Ajax TV, Bassey said : "I went on trial to Leyton Orient twice, got rejected. I went on trial to Charlton, got rejected. I went to Crystal Palace . I was at Wolves and they were like not sure.
"I went to play games in like crazy places like Fleetwood. I went to play a game against them.
"I remember I was on my way to Southampton, anywhere I could get a sniff of playing professional football I went to. A lot of professional clubs said no before."
Carlos Santos, Bassey's former coach added : "I sent him to West Ham for six weeks trials, they refused him as well, he didn't sign.
"He went to Barnet FC, didn't sign, but this is the process from 12-15."
Bassey is in contention to make his first start under new Ajax Amsterdam manager Johnny Heitinga in Thursday's Europa League meeting with Union Berlin.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
Photo Credit : ajax.nl
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