Ally McCoist Hails Calvin Bassey’s Transformation into a World-Class Beast
Rangers legend Ally McCoist has showered praise on former Gers defender Calvin Bassey, labeling him an “absolute world-class” talent who has evolved into a “beast” since his £20m move from Ibrox. Bassey, who joined Ajax in 2022, has become a standout performer, prompting McCoist to reflect on the Nigerian star’s remarkable journey.
Bassey’s time at Rangers was transformative. Signed from Leicester City’s academy for a modest £230,000 in 2020, the versatile defender quickly became a fan favorite. His athleticism, strength, and ability to play as a left-back or center-back were pivotal in Rangers’ 2020-21 Scottish Premiership title win and their run to the 2022 Europa League final. McCoist, speaking on talkSPORT, highlighted Bassey’s growth, noting, “He’s turned into an absolute beast. The boy’s world-class now, and I’m thrilled for him.”
At Ajax, Bassey faced early challenges adapting to the Eredivisie’s tactical demands, but his resilience shone through. His performances earned him a £23m transfer to Fulham in 2023, where he has since cemented himself as a Premier League star. Bassey’s pace, aerial dominance, and ball-playing ability have drawn comparisons to elite defenders, with McCoist emphasizing his physicality: “He’s a unit, a proper monster on the pitch.”
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‘It saddens me’ – Rangers star LEAVES club without chance to say goodbye and claims he ‘wasn’t afforded opp… Jonathon Moar 4 – 5 minutes He’s vowed to return to the club in the future Published: 9:50, 20 May 2025 Updated: 9:50, 20 May 2025 IT’S going to be a summer of big changes at Rangers. And one long-serving star has confirmed he’s on his way OUT of the club this summer. Rangers players celebrating with the SPFL Premiership trophy. 3 Leon Balogun won the Scottish Premiership title with RangersCredit: The Sun Leon Balogun of Rangers applauding at a football match. 3 He appears to have played his last game for the clubCredit: SNS With the US takeover of Rangers close to completion, a new sporting director in place and a new manager on the brink of being appointed, it’s going to be all things change at Ibrox. Alongside the off-field changes, there’s likely to be a significant amount of upheaval with regards to the playing squad as well. Loan star Vaclav Cerny already appears to have said his goodbye while other players’ contracts are coming to an end. One of those is veteran defender Leon Balogun. READ MORE RANGERS STORIES A popular figure with players and fans alike, the Nigeria international will turn 37 next month. He initially joined Rangers from Wigan in 2020 and went on to be a part of the side that won the Scottish Premiership title under Steven Gerrard in 2021. Balogun’s deal expired in 2022 and there was considerable surprise that he wasn’t afforded a new one. After a season with QPR, he returned to Rangers in July 2023 on a one-year contract. Despite injury setbacks and his advancing years, Balogun continued to prove himself a consistent and reliable performer. He earned another one-year contract but it looks like a third year will NOT be forthcoming. Kris Boyd says Rangers players were in SHOCK that ‘ghost goal’ against Hibs wasn’t given Balogun – who stated his desire to stay at Rangers just last week – appears to have confirmed his exit in an emotional message. The lengthy and frank post on social media also sees Balogun bemoan the fact he doesn’t believe he was afforded the opportunity to say a proper goodbye – going so far to say it SADDENS him. The defender, who has declared himself a Rangers fan, vowed ‘not to be a stranger’ in the future. On Instagram, Balogun said: “It’s that time again. “No caption could summarise all that is going through my mind as I’m writing these lines. “It’s been nothing short of an honour, a pleasure and a great, great privilege to represent this massive club – twice! “So many memories, good ones as well as a few tough ones. “But it’s the latter especially that made my love for the club grow even stronger. “The moments when we all stuck together and went again – no matter the disappointment or frustration. In these moments the club revealed what makes it most special: YOU. “The people supporting us week in week out, near and far, demanding, expecting, pushing us to do better and go for glory. “The people working for the club behind the scenes, meeting us with a smile everyday, doing their absolute best to contribute to the success of the club in their own way. You’re the heartbeat of the club and it’s been an honour to represent you! “If I would have known that the last two games of the season were my last for the club I would have made sure to say goodbye to all of you accordingly. “Unfortunately I wasn’t afforded that opportunity which saddens me as I would have liked to have walked round Ibrox one last time and returned all the love and support you’ve given me during my 2 stints. “I don’t know when I’ll be back, but I promise I won’t be a stranger. “Thank you for making me feel at home and appreciated wherever we met. “You’ve become more than just my club, you’ve become family. “And for that I will be forever grateful.” Read more on the Scottish Sun Rangers’ search for a new manager, meanwhile, is nearing a close. SunSport exclusively revealed last night that Steven Gerrard and Russell Martin are the two candidates going head-to-head to become the next Light Blues boss. Soccer player Leon Balogun in uniform, applauding. 3 Balogun posted his goodbye on InstagramCredit: INSTAGRAM/@LEONBALOGUN Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
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The 24-year-old’s international career has also soared. A key figure for Nigeria’s Super Eagles, Bassey’s performances at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations showcased his versatility and leadership. McCoist believes Bassey’s Rangers stint laid the foundation for his success. “Ibrox gave him the platform to shine, and he grabbed it with both hands,” he said.
Rangers fans, while proud, may feel a pang of regret. The club’s £20m sale was a record profit, but Bassey’s current market value likely exceeds £40m. McCoist, however, sees it as a win-win: “Rangers made brilliant business, but Calvin’s proving he’s worth every penny and more.”
Bassey’s journey from a raw talent to a global star embodies hard work and adaptability. As McCoist aptly put it, “He’s not just a player; he’s a phenomenon.” With his prime years ahead, Bassey’s trajectory suggests he could dominate European football for years to come.
