The Forest Engine: Sean Dyche Targets £13m Midfield Reinforcement as January Deadline Looms
NOTTINGHAM — In the high-pressure environment of a Premier League survival battle, the January transfer window is often less about flair and more about structural integrity. For Nottingham Forest and manager Sean Dyche, the priority is clear: bolster the “engine room” to ensure the club remains clear of the bottom three.
The latest name to dominate the headlines at the City Ground is Fisayo Dele-Bashiru. Reports from Italy and across the UK confirm that Forest has made formal “exploratory contact” with SS Lazio regarding the 24-year-old Nigerian international. With a price tag set at approximately £13 million (€15m), the move signals a calculated attempt by Forest to bring a physically imposing, technically gifted playmaker back to English shores.
The Target: Who is Fisayo Dele-Bashiru?
For many Forest fans, the name Dele-Bashiru will sound familiar. A product of the famed Manchester City academy, Fisayo is the younger brother of former Watford star Tom Dele-Bashiru. His journey to the elite level has been one of persistence:
- The English Roots: After failing to break into City’s first team, he moved to Sheffield Wednesday, where he became a fan favorite for his ability to drive forward from midfield.
- The Turkish Breakout: In 2023, he took a gamble by moving to Hatayspor in Turkey. His performances there were so dominant that he was quickly scouted and signed by Italian giants Lazio in the summer of 2024.
- The Serie A Education: Under Maurizio Sarri, Dele-Bashiru has faced a steep learning curve. While he has shown flashes of brilliance—including a memorable debut goal—he has found consistent starting minutes hard to come by in a crowded Lazio midfield.
Standing at over 6 feet tall, Dele-Bashiru is the prototypical “Dyche midfielder.” He possesses the physical strength to win second balls in the Premier League but has the ball-carrying ability to transition defense into attack—a trait Forest has lacked since the departure of key creative outlets in previous seasons.
The Financial Chess Match: Loan or Buy?
While Lazio is reportedly open to a sale, the structure of the deal remains the primary sticking point. The Italian side is currently undergoing a squad overhaul under Sarri, having recently sanctioned the departures of Matteo Guendouzi to Fenerbahce and Valentín Castellanos to West Ham.
Lazio would prefer an immediate cash injection of £13 million plus bonuses to help fund their own pursuit of Ajax midfielder Kenneth Taylor. However, Nottingham Forest is navigating the delicate waters of Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
To remain compliant, Forest is reportedly pushing for an initial loan deal with an obligation to buy in the summer of 2026. This would allow the club to secure the player’s services immediately for the second half of the season without a massive upfront hit to their current financial accounts.
The AFCON Complication
Adding another layer of complexity to the negotiation is the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Dele-Bashiru is currently away on international duty with Nigeria. While modern technology allows for medicals to be conducted remotely or at international base camps, Forest would ideally want the player in Nottingham as soon as possible.
Should Nigeria progress to the latter stages of the tournament, Forest might not see their new signing in a Garibaldi shirt until February. However, sources close to the club suggest that Dyche is willing to wait, viewing Dele-Bashiru as a long-term investment rather than a “quick fix” for a single matchday.
A Busy Month at the City Ground
The pursuit of Dele-Bashiru is just one piece of a larger puzzle being assembled by the Forest recruitment team this month. The club is reportedly active on several other fronts:
The interest in Jørgen Strand Larsen is particularly ambitious. With Chris Wood carrying a heavy workload and Taiwo Awoniyi’s injury record remaining a concern, a move for the Wolves striker would represent a massive statement of intent. Meanwhile, the romantic prospect of a James Garner return remains a popular topic among the fans, though Everton’s own relegation concerns make a deal difficult.
The “Dyche Factor”
Since taking the reins in October 2025, Sean Dyche has stabilized a Forest side that was drifting toward disaster. His philosophy is built on a solid defensive block and a high-work-rate midfield.
By targeting Dele-Bashiru, Dyche is looking for a player who can bridge the gap between the defensive duo of Ibrahim Sangaré and the attacking threats of Morgan Gibbs-White. Dele-Bashiru’s ability to cover ground and track back fits the “hardest working team in the league” mantra that Dyche has instilled since his arrival.
Conclusion: A High-Stakes Fortnight
As the clock ticks toward the January 31 deadline, Nottingham Forest finds itself at a crossroads. The squad has enough quality to survive, but it lacks the depth to endure a late-season injury crisis.
Securing a player of Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s caliber for £13 million would be seen as a masterstroke—a low-risk, high-reward move for a player with “unfinished business” in England. For Lazio, it’s a chance to balance the books; for Forest, it’s the fuel their engine room desperately needs.