Nigeria’s Fisayo Dele-Bashiru gets second chance from Lazio manager Maurizio Sarri

Nigeria international Fisayo Dele-Bashiru has been named in Lazio’s 31-man squad for pre-season training in Formello, signalling a fresh start under returning manager Maurizio Sarri, Soccernet.ng reports.

Dele-Bashiru endured a mixed debut season in Serie A after joining Lazio from Turkish side Hatayspor on loan with an obligation to buy.

Despite flashes of brilliance — three goals and an assist in 20 league appearances and two goals with two assists in eight Europa League outings — the 24-year-old Super Eagles star struggled to win the full trust of former manager Marco Baroni, who frequently left him on the bench.

There had been speculation earlier this summer that Lazio might consider offers for the former Manchester City youth product, with a few Premier League clubs reportedly interested in bringing the England-born midfielder back home.

However, Sarri’s inclusion of Dele-Bashiru in the full pre-season setup suggests a change of heart.

I nostri convocati per il ritiro #AvantiLazio pic.twitter.com/iYNvOtfBjt

— S.S.Lazio (@OfficialSSLazio) July 11, 2025

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Reports indicate that Sarri, now back at the helm after Lazio’s transfer ban limited their summer spending options, sees Dele-Bashiru as the closest player to the dynamic, goal-scoring midfielder he has been craving.

Although the Italian tactician remains cautious about Dele-Bashiru’s tactical discipline, he’s reportedly keen to work closely with the Super Eagles star to refine his positioning and decision-making.

The pre-season camp at Formello kicks off July 14 and features the core of Lazio’s first team, a selection of youth players, and several who are returning from loan.

The club's medicals began this week at Isokinetic, with midfielder Danilo Cataldi among the first to arrive.

Dele-Bashiru’s presence offers a hint of continuity and potential flair in Sarri’s midfield puzzle. With Lazio’s transfer ban expected to stretch into January, the manager may have no choice but to turn inward and Dele-Bashiru, it seems, has earned another chance to stake his claim.