Aziz Yıldırım has held talks in London over a possible move for Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey as part of his Fenerbahçe presidential campaign

Former Fenerbahçe president Aziz Yıldırım has intensified efforts to secure the signing of Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey, holding direct talks in London with the player’s representatives as he pushes his return to the Turkish club’s leadership.

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Yıldırım, who led Fenerbahçe from 1998 to 2018, has reportedly made Bassey his top defensive target as part of an ambitious campaign to reclaim the presidency ahead of the club’s elections scheduled for June 6 and 7.

The former president is understood to be building his campaign around high-profile transfer plans, with the aim of restoring domestic dominance to the Istanbul giants after years of rivalry setbacks.

Reports indicate that discussions were held in London between Fenerbahçe representatives and agents of Calvin Bassey, who currently plays for Premier League side Fulham.

The 26-year-old defender joined Fulham from Ajax in 2023 and has since established himself as a regular at Craven Cottage, making over 100 appearances and contributing defensively and offensively.

His current contract runs until June 2027, with an option for extension, giving Fulham a strong negotiating position should any formal offer be made.

Yıldırım’s transfer-focused campaign strategy also reportedly includes interest in other Premier League players, underlining his intent to assemble a competitive squad capable of challenging for immediate success.

While Bassey remains a central defensive target, competition for his signature is expected to be intense given his growing reputation and importance at club level.

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The situation is now expected to develop further after the Fenerbahçe presidential elections, which could determine whether formal negotiations progress beyond preliminary discussions.