Lazio, the Italian Serie A side, has officially confirmed the signing of Nigerian midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru from Hatayspor on a season-long loan, with an option to buy if he impresses during his time at the club. The 23-year-old, who showcased his talent in the Turkish Super Lig last season with nine goals and six assists, successfully completed his medical in Rome on Friday and finalized the necessary paperwork on Saturday, marking the beginning of his Serie A career.
The acquisition of Dele-Bashiru has been met with great excitement from fans and analysts. The young Nigerian recently made his debut for the Super Eagles, Nigeria’s national team, and even found the back of the net against South Africa in a World Cup qualifier, further bolstering his reputation as a rising star.
According to reports, Lazio secured the talented midfielder for an initial loan fee of approximately €2 million. If certain conditions are met, Lazio will have the option to make the deal permanent by paying an additional €4 million. The potential add-ons in the total deal could ultimately reach €7 million, highlighting Lazio’s commitment to nurturing and integrating young talent into their squad.
Lazio’s manager, Igor Tudor, who took charge after Maurizio Sarri’s departure, has been keen on strengthening the team’s midfield. Dele-Bashiru perfectly aligns with Tudor’s vision of a dynamic and creative midfield unit. The Nigerian midfielder’s versatility, capable of playing both in an attacking and central role, will be invaluable to Lazio as they aim for a strong performance in both domestic and European competitions.
Dele-Bashiru joins a noteworthy list of Nigerian players who have previously represented Lazio. Ogenyi Onazi, Stephen Makinwa, Seyi Adeleke, and Daniel Ola have all had spells with the Italian club, with Onazi being the most prominent, making 110 appearances and scoring seven goals between 2012 and 2016.
Dele-Bashiru’s journey to Lazio has been characterized by steady progress. Born in Germany, he began his youth career at Manchester City before moving to Sheffield Wednesday, where he made a name for himself with impressive performances in the Championship. His move to Hatayspor last season saw him flourish in the Turkish Super Lig, attracting interest from various European clubs, including PSV Eindhoven and AC Milan.
Lazio fans are eagerly anticipating Dele-Bashiru’s arrival, hoping that he can replicate his exceptional form from Turkey in Italy. Known for his flair, vision, and goal-scoring threat, the Nigerian midfielder is expected to make a significant contribution to Lazio’s midfield, bolstering their aspirations in Serie A and beyond.
With the deal now finalized, Dele-Bashiru’s focus shifts to making an immediate impact at Lazio. As he joins the ranks of the Biancazzurri, the young midfielder from Nigeria is poised to become an integral part of Lazio’s quest for success in the upcoming season.
