If a recent report from La Repubblica (via La Lazio Siamo Noi) is believed to be true, Sunderland are keeping close tabs on Fisayo Dele-Bashiru. Regis Le Bris is keen on a reunion with Matteo Guendouzi, but the latter’s Lazio midfield partner has now emerged as the Black Cats’ January transfer target.
The 24-year-old Nigerian international progressed through the esteemed academy ranks of Manchester City before leaving for Sheffield Wednesday for regular minutes. He represented them across Championship and League One, but eventually left the Owls on a Bosman in favour of Turkish top-flight outfit Hatayspor in the summer of 2023.
Dele-Bashiru’s all-round traits earned him a high-profile move to Serie A when Lazio snapped him up on a season-long loan a year later. The Biancocelesti splashed €5.4m to trigger the obligation to buy clause earlier this summer. But his game time has drastically reduced under Maurizio Sarri, primarily due to a hamstring strain sustained in September.
Although he was passed fit for their weekend encounter against Lecce, Sarri’s decision not to include him in the matchday squad has led to various speculations. His below-par performance early in the campaign has been labelled as the reason behind the omission. In contrast, a correspondent at Football Italia has suggested that the Black Eagles ace is being rested for the upcoming AFCON.
Why Sunderland Should Grab The Opportunity
Sunderland have been flying high since securing a dramatic Premier League return. The board has backed Le Bris with several exciting signings, and the French boss has so far succeeded in finding the right balance between youth and experience across the pitch. Midfield is not an exception, with veteran Granit Xhaka in exquisite form alongside fellow summer recruits, Habib Diarra and Noah Sadiki.
Enzo Le Fee, Chris Rigg and Dan Neil have been key to their resurgence from the Championship; however, Rigg and Neil have slipped down the pecking order following the arrivals of Xhaka, Diarra and Sadiki. Despite featuring from the left, Le Fee’s versatility has allowed Le Bris to make tactical tweaks and alterations. Dele-Bashiru, too, should flourish at the Stadium of Light, having shown his flexibility in various midfield spots.
While he has featured from the flanks on a few occasions, the Lazio star is predominantly known for his dribbling, down-the-middle runs, box-to-box movements, energy and creative spark. His lack of defensive contribution and physical presence needs to be addressed, yet the depth and quality he would offer could make him a value-for-money addition in January.
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