Competition for Bassey as Fulham confirm signing of left-footed central defender 

With a statement on their official website, Premier League club Fulham have confirmed the signing of Jorge Cuenca from Villarreal.

The Cottagers were in the market for a central defender following the departure of Tosin Adarabiyo, who turned down a new contract that would have made him one of the highest paid players at Fulham. 

Tosin later joined Fulham's west London neighbors Chelsea on a four-year contract with effect from July 1, 2024.

Jorge Cuenca has inked a four-year deal at Fulham, with a club option for the 2028-2029 season.

The 24-year-old, who is left footed, is predominantly a left-sided central defender and is also comfortable playing at left back, just like Nigeria international Calvin Bassey.

It remains to be seen whether Jorge Cuenca will take over Bassey’s spot as the center back or serve as his backup.

The Super Eagles star was an important player for Marco Silva's side in his first season at Fulham, starting 25 games in the Premier League despite being away on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations in January and February. 

Bassey and his international teammate Alex Iwobi are currently with the Fulham team in Algarve, Portugal, where they are training in preparation for the 2024-2025 season, 

The Leicester City academy product started in a centre-back pairing alongside Issa Diop and Antonee Robinson as Fulham beat Benfica 1-0 in a friendly on Friday, thanks to Alex Iwobi's game-winning goal.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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