SK Sturm Graz Targets PSV Talent Essiën Bassey to Bolster Defense
As SK Sturm Graz prepares for the 2026/2027 campaign, the defending champions are scouting the international market to shore up their backline. With a return to the UEFA Champions League qualification rounds already secured, the club is looking to ensure their squad is equipped for the challenges of European competition.
The club has reportedly set its sights on 19-year-old Dutch defender Essiën Bassey, according to reports from the Eindhovens Dagblad. Bassey, a product of the PSV Eindhoven academy since the U17 level, has recently drawn attention following a standout debut season with PSV II, where the young full-back recorded five assists.
The search for a new right-back is driven by the impending departure of Jusuf Gazibegović. The Bosnian international’s loan agreement expires this summer, making it likely that he will return to his parent club, 1. FC Köln, in the German Bundesliga.
While Bassey’s current contract is set to expire in the summer, data from *transfermarkt* indicates that PSV II maintains an option to extend the defender’s contract for one additional year. It remains unclear exactly how far discussions have progressed or the current status of Sturm Graz’s interest.
This transfer activity comes at a pivotal moment in the domestic season. Currently sitting second in the standings, Sturm Graz is fighting for a title hat-trick in a tight race with league leaders LASK. The team faces a critical Bundesliga showdown this Sunday, May 17, 2026, hosting SK Rapid at 14:30.
