Sheffield Wednesday saw Fisayo Dele-Bashiru leave for nothing last summer, but now he’s set to join Lazio for €7m, as per Fabrizio Romano.
Sheffield Wednesday had midfielder Dele-Bashiru on the books for three years, bringing him in from Manchester City in the summer of 2020.
The Nigerian international played 86 times for the Owls over three seasons, managing six goals and five assists in the process. There were some strong spells and bright moments, but ultimately, he struggled to kick on as hoped and duly departed despite being offered a new deal.
Upon his exit and subsequent move to Hatayspor in Turkey, many viewed Dele-Bashiru as an obvious talent. It just hadn’t come together for him at Hillsborough.
The same can not be said for his Hatayspor stint though, and Dele-Bashiru is set for a big move.
Turkish reporter Resat Can Ozbudak first stated that Serie A side Lazio had commenced negotiations to sign the former Sheffield Wednesday man and transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has now said Dele-Bashiru is now closing in on a €7m (around £5.9m) move to the Italian capital.
A deal is near and a medical and finalisation awaits.
It comes after Dele-Bashiru notched nine goals and six assists in 39 outings for the Turkish Super Lig side in his first season since moving on from Wednesday.
An eye-catching rise
Few knew what to expect from Dele-Bashiru after he left Sheffield Wednesday.
As touched on before, there were times at Hillsborough where he looked like a real prospect capable of kicking on at a high level. Ultimately though, he wasn’t able to produce those levels on a regular enough basis, so while a new offer was made to keep him, many viewed his exit as best for all.
However, in Turkey, he’s really been able to put things together against a higher level of opposition.
Now, it looks as though Dele-Bashiru is set to join one of Italy’s biggest clubs just a year after moving on from the Owls. It marks a fantastic rise for the midfielder in a short amount of time, though it remains to be seen if and when the move can be sealed.
Meanwhile at Hillsborough
While former Sheffield Wednesday man Dele-Bashiru prepares for a high-profile move to Italy, the Owls have been focusing on some impressive moves of their own.
Summer business commenced with a move for Ben Hamer, whose deal with Championship rivals Watford comes to an end.
Wednesday have also swooped on Steel City enemies Sheffield United for the services of Max Lowe. He too joins on a free transfer as Danny Rohl starts the window with some shrewd additions.
It has been said that a permanent move for former Southampton man Yan Valery is set to follow, marking a decent start to summer business at Hillsborough. One thing for sure is that they won’t be looking to stop there as Rohl leads his first summer window at the club.
