Calvin Bassey in Rangers transfer confession as he reveals snubbing 'safer option' before Ajax move

Calvin Bassey insists Ajax was always more appealing than the "safer option" of a transfer to the Premier League. The 22-year-old left Rangers for a club record fee earlier this season as he joined the Eredivisie champions.

Bassey found himself in-demand after a breakout campaign at Ibrox, starring for Giovanni van Bronckhorst' s side on their run to the Europa League Final and in winning the Scottish Cup. That prompted serious interest from the Dutch champions, who outbid Brighton in the chase for the former Leicester City youth.

Bassey suffered a nightmare debut for the Amsterdam giants, however, as he was sent off just minutes after coming on as a sub in their 5-3 Johan Cruyff Shield defeat to league rivals PSV Eindhoven earlier this month. But the incident hasn't knocked his enthusiasm for his new surroundings. Bassey believes testing himself on the continent was a greater challenge than returning to familiar surroundings in England. He said: "I was doing pre-season with Rangers and focussing on the new season and getting in shape. Then I was told by my agent that the great Ajax wanted me!

"I didn't count on anything. Many things can go wrong in transfers and there was interest from other clubs too. But when I saw how hard Ajax were working to sign me, I got really excited.

"I discussed it with my family and tried to keep calm even though I was very excited about the move because it's only completed when everything is signed.Returning to England might have been the safest option for me and of course, I know the language and the Premier League is a great competition. But it did not outweigh my desire to move to Ajax.

"I am grateful to Rangers for everything and very happy that I can play now for Ajax. It's been