Nigerian midfielder Tom Dele-Bashiru has been linked with a permanent move to Turkish Süper Lig side Genclerbirligi this summer, Soccernet.ng reports.
Dele-Bashiru was among the new recruits brought in by Genclerbirligi following their promotion to the Süper Lig.
The 26-year-old joined from English Championship club Watford on a season-long loan after struggling for game time in England.
Since making the switch to Turkey, however, he has become an indispensable figure for the Alkaralar.
This season, Dele-Bashiru has featured in 22 of the 23 league matches for which he was available, providing one assist. He has served as a reliable conductor in the middle of the park and remains a vital cog in the team’s build-up play.
With his loan deal and his original Watford contract both set to expire at the end of the campaign, speculation has mounted regarding his future.
Permanent Move on the Horizon For Dele-Bashiru
Amid this uncertainty, Genclerbirligi have been tipped to secure his services on a permanent basis.
According to Turkish football expert Omercan Ozmen, speaking with the Watford Observer, Dele-Bashiru has been the club's standout midfielder this season. Signing him permanently is reportedly a priority for the hierarchy.
What makes the deal particularly enticing is the absence of a transfer fee—a golden opportunity for a club like Genclerbirligi that operates on a small budget.
However, Ozmen warns that Dele-Bashiru’s performances may have attracted interest from Turkey’s bigger clubs. To secure his signature, Genclerbirligi will need to act swiftly.
As he enters the final months of his Watford contract, the midfielder is already eligible to sign a pre-contract agreement.
The 26-year-old midfielder played for Nigeria at under-20 level. but unlike his younger brother Fisayo, he has not earned a call-up to the Super Eagles yet.
The Manchester City product is one of the many Nigerians like Henry Onyekuru, Peter Etebo, and Tijani Babangida, who has donned the Genclerbirligi shirt.
He will be looking to sort out his future as soon as possible.
