Fisayo Dele-Bashiru: Key reason Man United want Super Eagles and Lazio star

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru could be on his way back to Manchester this summer as his two-year Lazio spell is set to draw to an end, Afrik-Foot reports.

Dele-Bashiru has emerged as one of the surprise names on Manchester United’s transfer radar as the club prepares for a major midfield rebuild ahead of the 2026/27 season.

The Super Eagles midfielder is currently with Lazio, but United Report suggests United are seriously considering a move for the 25-year-old as they reshape the centre of the pitch.

The changes at Old Trafford have created a need for fresh options. Casemiro has left the club after the expiration of his contract, while Manuel Ugarte is widely expected to move on after struggling to establish himself under manager Michael Carrick.

Although United have already secured a deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson, the club wants more athletic and versatile players to support captain Bruno Fernandes and academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo. Dele-Bashiru fits that profile perfectly.

Standing at 6ft 1in, the Nigerian combines power, ball-carrying ability and attacking instincts. He can operate as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder or box-to-box runner, giving Carrick tactical flexibility.

Interestingly, the key attraction is Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s price. Lazio are believed to value him at around €18 million, significantly less than Premier League targets such as Mateus Fernandes, Alex Scott and Carlos Baleba, whose clubs are demanding fees exceeding £80 million.

How Fisayo Dele-Bashiru became a Man United target

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s journey to becoming a Manchester United transfer target has been far from conventional. Born in Lagos, he joined Manchester City’s academy as a child and spent more than a decade developing there before leaving in 2020 in search of senior football.

His first stop was Sheffield Wednesday, where he experienced both relegation and promotion during three seasons in Yorkshire. The midfielder then took a bold gamble by moving to Turkish club Hatayspor in 2023. The move transformed his career as he produced eight goals and five assists in one season, attracting interest from clubs across Europe.

Lazio signed him in 2024, initially on loan before making the deal permanent. Since then, he has made 57 appearances for the Italian side, contributing seven goals and four assists. During the 2025/26 Serie A campaign, he featured in 24 league matches, often from the bench, and helped Lazio reach the final of the Coppa Italia.

His rise has also been reflected at international level. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru has become a regular member of the Super Eagles squad, featuring as Nigeria claimed bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

With Lazio willing to listen to offers and the player reportedly open to a return to England, Manchester United see an opportunity to sign a midfielder entering his peak years without breaking the bank.