Fisayo Dele‑Bashiru: Why Manchester United Want the Super Eagles and Lazio Star

Fisayo Dele‑Bashiru may return to Manchester this summer as his two‑year spell at Lazio nears its end, Afrik‑Foot reports.

The Nigerian midfielder has become a surprise name on Manchester United’s transfer radar as the club prepares for a major midfield overhaul ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Dele‑Bashiru is currently with Lazio, but United Report says the club is seriously considering a move for the 25‑year‑old as it reshapes the centre of the pitch. The changes at Old Trafford have created a need for fresh options. Casemiro departed after his contract expired, and Manuel Ugarte is widely expected to leave after struggling to establish himself under manager Michael Carrick.

Nigeria and Lazio star Fisayo Dele‑Bashiru. Copyright: xDomenicoxCippitellixIMAGO

Although United have already secured a deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson, the club wants more athletic and versatile players to support captain Bruno Fernandes and academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo. Dele‑Bashiru fits that profile perfectly.

Standing at 6ft 1in, the Nigerian combines power, ball‑carrying ability and attacking instincts. He can operate as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder or box‑to‑box runner, giving Carrick tactical flexibility.

One key attraction is Dele‑Bashiru’s price. Lazio are believed to value him at around €18 million, significantly less than Premier League targets such as Mateus Fernandes, Alex Scott and Carlos Baleba, whose clubs are demanding fees exceeding £80 million.

Nigeria and Lazio star Fisayo Dele‑Bashiru. Copyright: xMikolajxBarbanellxIMAGO

How Fisayo Dele‑Bashiru became a Man United target

Dele‑Bashiru’s path to becoming a Manchester United transfer target has been far from conventional. Born in Lagos, he joined Manchester City’s academy as a child and spent more than a decade developing there before leaving in 2020 in search of senior football.

His first stop was Sheffield Wednesday, where he experienced both relegation and promotion during three seasons in Yorkshire. The midfielder then took a bold gamble by moving to Turkish club Hatayspor in 2023. The move transformed his career as he produced eight goals and five assists in one season, attracting interest from clubs across Europe.

Nigeria and Lazio star Fisayo Dele‑Bashiru. Copyright: IMAGO/AndreaxStaccioli

Lazio signed him in 2024, initially on loan before making the deal permanent. Since then, he has made 57 appearances for the Italian side, contributing seven goals and four assists. During the 2025/26 Serie A campaign, he featured in 24 league matches, often from the bench, and helped Lazio reach the final of the Coppa Italia.

His rise has also been reflected at international level. Dele‑Bashiru has become a regular member of the Super Eagles squad, featuring as Nigeria claimed a bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

With Lazio willing to listen to offers and the player reportedly open to a return to England, Manchester United see an opportunity to sign a midfielder entering his peak years without breaking the bank.