Viking snap up Netherlands-Ghana defender Essien Bassey from PSV

Viking FK have added Netherlands-Ghana right-back Essien Bassey to their squad after the 19-year-old left PSV U21 for the Norwegian Eliteserien club.

Bassey made the move on 2 September 2026, ending his progression through PSVs academy and beginning a new chapter in Norway. The defender had been part of PSV U21s squad in the Keuken Kampioen Divisie, where he started the 2026-27 campaign with five appearances.

He also featured once in the Johan Cruijff Schaal this season, playing eight minutes. Bassey has not appeared in the Eredivisie or the Premier League International Cup during the current campaign.

Born in Aalten in the Netherlands, Bassey is eligible to represent both the Netherlands and Ghana. He plays primarily at right-back and favours his right foot, giving Viking a young defensive option for the remainder of their campaign.

The transfer marks the latest step in a career that began at Dutch grassroots club AZSV. Bassey joined De Graafschaps youth set-up in 2018 before moving to PSV in 2022, initially entering the clubs under-17 side.

He subsequently progressed through PSV U18 and PSV U19 before stepping up to the under-21 team at the start of the 2025-26 season. His most recent performances for PSV U21 came in the second tier of Dutch football, where he accumulated 342 minutes across five league appearances.

Viking compete in Norways top division, known as the Eliteserien, providing Bassey with a move into a different senior league after his time in PSVs development structure. His arrival also adds defensive depth to the clubs squad ahead of the next stage of the season.

Basseys PSV pathway included four successive promotions between youth and reserve levels: from PSV U17 to U18, then U19 and finally PSV U21. He now leaves the Eindhoven club after his latest season at reserve level.

The 19-year-olds move to Viking FK was completed on 2 September 2026.