Lazio is reportedly close to securing a deal for one-capped Super Eagles midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, following a standout season with Turkish club Hatayspor, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 23-year-old, who joined Hatayspor on a free transfer last summer after leaving Sheffield Wednesday, has drawn significant attention from clubs in both Saudi Arabia and Italy.
Dele-Bashiru’s impressive form saw him contribute to seven goals in his first eight league matches for Hatayspor.
The overall performance of the Nigerian international in the season, with eight goals and five assists across all competitions, has made him a hot prospect in the transfer market.
This form also earned him his first call-up to Nigeria’s senior national team, where he made his debut in a friendly against Mozambique.
Lazio’s interest in the attacking midfielder has intensified, and a recent meeting at Formello, attended by Dele-Bashiru’s agent Paolo Paloni, was highly positive.
The deal is reportedly valued at around €6 million, plus bonuses, with Lazio determined to finalize the transfer when the window opens.
Dele-Bashiru’s contract with Hatayspor includes a €7 million release clause for international clubs and a €2.5 million clause for domestic clubs.
His performances and relatively low release fee for Turkish clubs could have sparked a bidding war within the Süper Lig, but Lazio appears to be leading the race for his signature.
The Nigerian midfielder has expressed a strong interest in joining Lazio, which could see the transfer materialize soon. Dele-Bashiru hopes to make his mark in Serie A and further his international career with the Super Eagles.
