Super Eagles star Dele-Bashiru’s future uncertain as Lazio replace Sarri with ex-Milan boss

Super Eagles midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru could be heading into a crucial period at Lazio after the Serie A side decided to replace Maurizio Sarri with former Italy and AC Milan coach Gennaro Gattuso, Afrik-Foot reports.

Gattuso has reportedly agreed a two-year contract running until June 2028, with the deal expected to be officially confirmed in the coming days. The 48-year-old returns to club football only weeks after leaving the Italy national team following their painful World Cup qualification playoff defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina in April 2026.

His arrival signals the end of Sarri’s turbulent second spell at the Stadio Olimpico. Sarri is expected to leave Lazio by mutual consent before taking over at Atalanta. The managerial reshuffle comes after a chaotic campaign in Rome, where Lazio failed to qualify for Europe for the second straight season for the first time during Claudio Lotito’s presidency.

Sarri had openly expressed frustration over the club’s transfer policy, financial restrictions and uncertainty surrounding player sales. Supporter protests and tension between the coaching staff and board only deepened the crisis during the closing months of the campaign.

Lazio’s hierarchy believe Gattuso can restore order with the aggressive, disciplined style that helped him win the Coppa Italia with SSC Napoli. However, his arrival could also bring fresh uncertainty for Dele-Bashiru, who had slowly begun to establish himself under Sarri.

Dele-Bashiru waiting for clarity under new Lazio project

The 25-year-old midfielder endured a mixed but encouraging 2025-26 season in Italian football. After struggling with injuries and adapting to the demands of Serie A earlier in the campaign, Dele-Bashiru gradually became a trusted option in Sarri’s midfield rotation.

He made 24 Serie A appearances, including 10 starts, while also contributing one league goal and further attacking returns in the Coppa Italia. His most important moment arrived on the final day of the season on May 23, when his excellent finish helped Lazio secure a dramatic 2-1 victory over Pisa.

Sarri regularly praised the Nigerian’s physical strength and ability to bring energy into midfield battles. Following a chaotic 3-3 draw against Udinese Calcio earlier in the season, the former Lazio manager pointed at how Dele-Bashiru’s introduction improved the team’s defensive balance and control.

Despite those positives, Sarri also admitted the midfielder still needed to sharpen his tactical awareness and finishing in key moments. Even so, the Nigerian finished the campaign strongly, earning regular call-ups and becoming one of the more dependable midfield options during Lazio’s difficult run-in.

Gattuso’s tactical approach may ultimately work in Dele-Bashiru’s favour. The former AC Milan boss is known for demanding intensity, physicality and relentless pressing from his midfielders. Players such as Franck Kessié and Diego Demme thrived under his methods at Milan and Napoli, and Dele-Bashiru’s powerful 1.86m frame could suit a similar role in Rome.

Lazio also showed their faith in the Super Eagles star by activating his €5.4 million buyout clause and tying him down to a contract until 2028. That decision suggests the club still see him as part of their long-term plans despite growing interest from England.

Premier League clubs including AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest are believed to be monitoring his situation ahead of the summer transfer window. Sources close to the player say Dele-Bashiru remains happy in Rome, although he would reportedly consider a return to England if the right sporting project arrives.

Still, much could depend on what Gattuso sees during pre-season. The Nigerian midfielder enters the summer with momentum after a strong finish to the campaign, but Lazio’s managerial overhaul means his place in the club’s new era is still far from guaranteed.