Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, the 23-year-old Nigerian midfielder currently making waves in the Italian Serie A, has become the subject of intense transfer speculation, with Brighton & Hove Albion expressing keen interest in acquiring his services. However, Lazio, Dele-Bashiru’s current club, has firmly rebuffed Brighton’s advances, declaring their unwavering stance that the promising midfielder is not for sale, neither in the upcoming January transfer window nor at the end of the season. This emphatic declaration underscores Lazio’s recognition of Dele-Bashiru’s burgeoning talent and his integral role in their future plans.
Lazio’s resolute position on Dele-Bashiru’s future comes as no surprise, given his impressive performances since joining the club on loan from Turkish side Hatayspor last summer. The Biancocelesti secured Dele-Bashiru’s services for a loan fee of €2 million, accompanied by an obligation to buy, demonstrating their initial belief in his potential. His performances have justified this faith, with the Nigerian international contributing four goals and two assists in 17 appearances across all competitions this season, further solidifying his value to the team. His contributions in the Europa League have been particularly noteworthy, with two goals and two assists in just four matches showcasing his ability to perform on the European stage.
Dele-Bashiru’s journey to becoming a sought-after midfielder has been marked by steady progress and adaptability. He honed his skills at Manchester City’s renowned academy before moving to Sheffield Wednesday, where he spent two fruitful seasons. His subsequent move to Hatayspor in the Turkish Super Lig saw him play a crucial role in the club’s fight against relegation, contributing significantly with eight goals. This experience further developed his resilience and goal-scoring prowess, attributes that have undoubtedly caught the eye of potential suitors.
Lazio’s sporting director, Angelo Fabiani, recently reiterated the club’s commitment to retaining their key players, including Dele-Bashiru. Fabiani emphasized that Lazio’s transfer strategy focuses on strengthening the squad, not dismantling it. This statement serves as a clear message to interested clubs that Lazio is determined to build a competitive team around their existing talents, with Dele-Bashiru firmly placed within that core group. Fabiani’s comments also revealed that other Lazio players have attracted interest from prominent clubs, including Serie A giants Juventus, further highlighting the quality of the squad Lazio has assembled.
Brighton’s interest in Dele-Bashiru is understandable, given the midfielder’s impressive form and his potential to further develop under manager Roberto De Zerbi’s tactical guidance. The Premier League club, known for its astute recruitment strategy, reportedly views Dele-Bashiru as an ideal fit for their system, potentially adding another dimension to their midfield. However, Lazio’s unwavering stance makes a January transfer highly unlikely, forcing Brighton to explore alternative options if they are determined to bolster their midfield ranks in the winter window.
Dele-Bashiru’s transformation under Lazio coach Marco Baroni has been a key factor in his impressive performances. Initially facing challenges in establishing himself, Dele-Bashiru flourished after Baroni deployed him in more advanced positions, deviating from his traditional central midfield role. This tactical shift allowed him to utilize his attacking instincts and goal-scoring abilities more effectively, resulting in a significant upturn in his contributions. This adaptability and willingness to embrace new roles further enhances his value as a player capable of contributing in various midfield positions. Lazio’s commitment to nurturing his talent and providing him with the platform to shine has undoubtedly contributed to his rapid development.
