Fulham open Bassey contract talks amid Inter interest

Fulham are moving towards fresh discussions with Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey over a new long-term contract, with the club in a strong position despite interest from Inter Milan, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Bassey has become a significant figure for the Cottagers since joining from Eredivisie giants Ajax in July 2023 on a four-year deal. Since arriving at Craven Cottage, the Nigerian defender has featured in 105 matches across all competitions, scoring four goals and providing one assist.

His current contract is due to expire in the summer of 2027, but Fulham hold an option to extend it by a further year, taking it through to the summer of 2028.

That clause has removed any sense of urgency at the club, even as they move to reward a player who has become a fixture in the side.

Versatile enough to play at centre-back or left-back, the 26-year-old won the club’s Player of The Season award in the 2024/25 campaign and remains a regular member of the squad under new head coach Álvaro Arbeloa. His physicality, recovery pace and left foot have made him a key member of the squad this term.

According to TEAMtalk, talks over a fresh contract are expected to begin soon, with no sense of alarm at the club, even as admiration from Serie A continues in the background.

Interest from Inter Milan is not new, with the Italian side having monitored the defender for a number of transfer windows, drawn by his profile as a powerful left-sided defender with Premier League experience.

Despite that interest, Bassey is understood to be happy in West London and settled in the dressing room, and is said to be open to extending his stay at the club beyond the end of his current deal, provided suitable terms can be found.

For Fulham, continuity remains the priority. Triggering the option in Bassey’s contract would offer the club protection and strengthen their negotiating position, but a fresh long-term agreement remains the preferred outcome, both financially and strategically, as the club looks to secure a defender who has already delivered more than three seasons of consistent Premier League service.

The situation carries added significance given Fulham’s start to the season, having opened the campaign with three straight defeats and sitting joint-bottom of the Premier League table, a run that makes retaining key figures such as Bassey all the more important as the club looks to steady its campaign.