🦅 𝗕𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗦𝗛 𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗗? 🇳🇬 Dele-Bashiru Eyes Premier League Move as Trabzonspor Launch Official Bid! 🏟️✈️
By 247sportcity | Wednesday, January 21, 2026
ROME – The future of Nigerian international Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is at a crossroads. Just days after returning to Rome with an AFCON 2025 bronze medal, the Lazio midfielder has become the subject of a concrete transfer battle. While Turkish giants Trabzonspor have submitted a formal proposal to lure him back to the Super Lig, the 24-year-old reportedly has his heart set on a move to Nottingham Forest.
Despite only making his move to Lazio permanent last summer, Dele-Bashiru has found himself on the periphery of Maurizio Sarri’s squad. With the Biancocelesti currently reeling from a humiliating 3-0 home defeat to Como on Monday night, a January reshuffle appears imminent.
The Turkish Temptation: Trabzonspor’s Official Move
According to Corriere dello Sport, Trabzonspor have made the first move. The Turkish side, who are desperate to bolster their midfield, have presented a “financially attractive” offer to Lazio.
Dele-Bashiru is no stranger to Turkey, having enjoyed a sensational breakout season with Hatayspor before his move to Italy. However, reports suggest the player is “not entirely convinced” about a return to the Super Lig. While his elder brother, Tom Dele-Bashiru, currently plies his trade in Turkey with Genclerbirligi, Fisayo believes his style of play is better suited for the high-octane environment of England.
[Table: Fisayo Dele-Bashiru — Transfer Snapshot January 2026]
| Metric | Detail | Status |
| Current Club | Lazio (Serie A) | Contract until 2029 |
| Market Valuation | €15,000,000 (£12.5m) | Lazio’s reported asking price |
| Top Suitor | Trabzonspor | Official offer submitted |
| Preferred Move | Nottingham Forest | Exploratory talks underway |
| AFCON Form | Bronze Medalist | Scored in semi-final vs Morocco |
The Premier League Dream: Nottingham Forest Interest
Nottingham Forest have emerged as the “priority destination” for the Lagos-born midfielder. While an official bid is yet to be lodged, Forest have made exploratory inquiries through intermediaries.
Why Forest Want Him:
- Physical Profile: His blend of athleticism and tactical awareness fits the “Premier League blueprint” perfectly.
- Homegrown Status: Having developed in the Manchester City academy and played for Sheffield Wednesday, he counts as a homegrown player—a vital asset for squad registration.
- Midfield Vacancy: With Boubacar Kamara ruled out for the season and Amadou Onana struggling for fitness, Forest are desperate for a robust “box-to-box” presence.
Lazio’s Stance: Cash Over Continuity
Lazio president Claudio Lotito is reportedly open to a sale if his €15 million plus bonuses valuation is met. The club has already signed Kenneth Taylor as a midfield reinforcement this month, potentially pushing Dele-Bashiru further down the pecking order.
Maurizio Sarri, who recently admitted he has “stepped aside” from transfer decisions to focus on the pitch, is unlikely to block the move if it allows the club to reinvest in a defensive line that was shredded by Cesc Fabregas’ Como earlier this week.
Final Verdict: A Waiting Game
Dele-Bashiru is reportedly “in no rush” to accept the move to Trabzonspor. He is prepared to wait until the final days of the window to see if Nottingham Forest turn their “exploratory contacts” into a formal contract offer. For the Super Eagles star, the opportunity to return to England is more than a transfer—it’s a chance to prove himself in the world’s most demanding league.