Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, the Nigerian midfielder, finds himself at a career crossroads as he enters his second season with Lazio. After a challenging debut year marked by limited playing time under former coach Marco Baroni, Dele-Bashiru’s future at the Stadio Olimpico seemed uncertain. The arrival of new manager Maurizio Sarri added another layer of complexity, raising questions about whether the talented midfielder would fit into the coach’s plans. However, Sarri’s recent endorsement of Dele-Bashiru has provided a glimmer of hope for the Nigerian international, suggesting that he could yet play a significant role in the upcoming 2025/26 campaign.
Dele-Bashiru joined Lazio last year from Turkish club Hatayspor, where he enjoyed two successful seasons, showcasing his potential and attracting the attention of the Italian side. Despite featuring in 29 games for Lazio, he struggled to secure a consistent starting position under Baroni and often found himself on the periphery of the team. His five goals and three assists offered glimpses of his attacking capabilities, but they weren’t enough to cement his place in the starting lineup. Now, under the tutelage of Sarri, Dele-Bashiru has a fresh opportunity to prove his worth and establish himself as a key player for the Biancocelesti.
Sarri, known for his meticulous tactical approach and demanding style of play, has publicly expressed his belief in Dele-Bashiru’s potential. The coach’s comments, highlighting the midfielder’s physical prowess and emphasizing the importance of tactical adaptation, suggest that he sees a role for the Nigerian in his system. Sarri’s endorsement is significant, effectively quelling speculation about Dele-Bashiru’s potential departure and signaling a vote of confidence in the player’s abilities. The midfielder now has the chance to impress Sarri during pre-season training and upcoming friendlies, demonstrating his commitment to the team’s tactical philosophy and showcasing his skills on the pitch.
Pre-season preparations are in full swing for Lazio, with a series of friendlies lined up against a variety of opponents. These matches will serve as valuable testing grounds for Sarri to assess his squad and implement his tactical strategies. For Dele-Bashiru, these games represent a crucial opportunity to earn Sarri’s trust and secure a place in the starting lineup. He’ll be competing against his teammates for a spot in the midfield, and strong performances in these pre-season encounters could be decisive in determining his role for the upcoming season.
Lazio’s Serie A campaign kicks off on August 24th with a challenging away fixture against Como. This match will be a litmus test for the team and an early indicator of their potential for the season. For Dele-Bashiru, it represents a chance to make a strong first impression under Sarri’s leadership and solidify his place in the team. The fixture against Como will be crucial for Lazio to start their campaign on a positive note, and Dele-Bashiru will aim to contribute to a successful outcome.
The 2025/26 season promises to be an important one for Dele-Bashiru. After a difficult first year at Lazio, he now has a new opportunity to prove his worth under a new manager. Sarri’s endorsement provides a boost of confidence, but Dele-Bashiru must seize the opportunity and deliver on the pitch. The pre-season friendlies and the opening Serie A fixture against Como will be key moments for him to showcase his abilities and demonstrate his commitment to Lazio’s success. With hard work and dedication, Dele-Bashiru has the potential to become a vital asset for Lazio in the upcoming season, fulfilling the promise he showed during his time at Hatayspor.
