Italian Serie A giants Lazio are actively pursuing a deal to secure the services of Super Eagles midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru as the transfer window approaches.
Reports surfaced from Turkish journalist Reşat Can Özbudak, revealing Lazio's keen interest in acquiring the talents of the Manchester City academy product.
Dele-Bashiru, who currently plays for Turkish Super Lig club Hatayspor, has attracted attention from Lazio's scouting team, signaling a potential move in the making.
Lazio manager Igor Tudor has identified the Nigerian as the glue to the club’s attack ahead of next season, and is keen to have the deal wrapped up before the club’s pre-season campaign kicks off.
The 23-year-old arrived at Hatayspor on a free transfer last summer, after choosing not to extend his contract with Sheffield Wednesday.
Dele-Bashiru has previously been linked to Italian giants AC Milan and Eredivisie outfit PSV Eindhoven.
His contract with the Turkish outfit ends in June 2026.
Dele-Bashiru's numbers for Hatayspor this season
In the Turkish top-flight league, Nigerian midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru has been a prominent figure, featuring in 32 matches, with 30 of those as a starter.
His regular appearances on the pitch highlight his significance to Hatayspor, particularly as they contend with the demands of top-tier league.
He has scored six goals and provided three assists to his teammates, which isn't a bad return for a midfielder of his ilk.
How much is Hatayspor demanding for Dele-Bashiru?
According to reports from Turkish outlet Sports Digitale, Hatayspor are open to selling the former Sheffield Wednesday player, provided Lazio agree to their £10 million valuation. Also, any deal struck may include a future sell-on clause, potentially increasing the total transfer fees to £20 million.
While Lazio aim to negotiate a lower price with Hatayspor, they are cognisant of competing interest from other clubs eyeing the Nigerian midfielder. This heightened competition could potentially result in a bidding war for his services.
How Dele-Bashiru will fit in at Lazio
With his diverse skill-set and adaptability across multiple positions, the potential transfer of the Nigerian midfielder to Lazio opens up exciting possibilities for the Serie A side.
His proficiency as an attacking midfielder adds another dimension to Lazio's offensive options. While his vision, creativity, and ability to link midfield and attack could inject dynamism and unpredictability into Lazio's forward play.
Also, the 23-year-old's capacity to operate as a central midfielder aids in controlling the tempo of the game. He can dictate play from deep positions, and could provide Lazio with a valuable asset in midfield.
Dele-Bashiru's versatility extends to the wings, where his pace, dribbling skills, and crossing ability make him a potent threat out wide.
His presence on the flanks would offer Lazio additional width and attacking impetus, allowing for varied and dynamic offensive strategies.
Dele-Bashiru's versatility and multifaceted skill-set make him a valuable addition to Lazio's squad.
Whether deployed as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder or winger, his ability to adapt to different roles and contribute effectively in each position could prove instrumental in Lazio's pursuit of success in domestic and European competitions.
Has Dele-Bashiru ever featured for the Super Eagles?
Born in Germany, Dele-Bashiru relocated to England with his family at a young age. While eligible to represent both countries, he has chosen to represent Nigeria at international level.
During the October 2023 international break, Fisayo was included in the Super Eagles' 25-man squad summoned by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for friendly games against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique.
He marked his Super Eagles debut in Nigeria's 3-2 victory over Mozambique on October 16, 2023, at the Estádio Municipal de Albufeira.
Although he was initially named in Nigeria's provisional squad for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2024), he ultimately did not secure a spot in the final squad.