Tom Dele-Bashiru: Watford midfielder set for £425,000 move to Greek side Aris

Aris Thessaloniki are on the verge of signing Watford midfielder Tom Dele-Bashiru in a deal worth about £425,000, with the former Nigeria U23 international expected to complete a medical on Monday.

The 26-year-old, who came through Manchester City’s academy and featured for Nigeria at the 2019 FIFA U20 World Cup, is poised to join the three-time Greek champions on a three-year contract, according to reports in Greece and the UK.

The transfer, once finalised, will see Dele-Bashiru swap the English Championship for the Greek Super League, after spending last season on loan in Turkey.

Medical imminent in Thessaloniki

Greek outlet Gazzetta reports that Aris have scheduled a routine medical for Dele-Bashiru on Monday, following an agreement reached some time ago with both Watford and the player.

The midfielder is expected to land at Thessaloniki’s Macedonia Airport on Sunday ahead of the final checks.

Sky Sports has reported that Watford have accepted an offer of £425,000 for the player – a fee in the region of ₦0.8bn – clearing the way for the move to be completed in the coming days.

Club sources in Greece suggest only administrative formalities remain before the transfer can be officially announced.

Pre-season plans in Italy

If Dele-Bashiru comes through his medical without any complications, he is set to be immediately folded into Aris’ preparations for the new season.

He is expected to be named in the club’s travelling party for the main phase of their pre-season training camp in Italy, giving head coach and staff an early opportunity to assess where he fits into their plans.

The timing of the move means the midfielder could feature in warm-up matches and integrate into Aris’ tactical system before the Super League campaign gets under way.

From Manchester City academy to Greek Super League

Born in England, Dele-Bashiru developed in Manchester City’s youth ranks before moving to Watford, where he has struggled to secure a sustained run in the first team.

Last season he spent a productive spell on loan at Turkish side Genclerbirligi, making 30 appearances in all competitions.

His performances in Turkey, combined with his pedigree as a Nigeria youth international and his technical profile as a central midfielder, have made him an attractive option for Aris as they reshape their squad.

The Thessaloniki club, three-time champions of Greece, are looking to strengthen in key areas as they attempt to challenge domestically and improve their standing in European competition.

Nigerian interest

Dele-Bashiru’s move will be closely followed in Nigeria, where he is remembered for his role with the country’s U23 side and his participation at the 2019 FIFA U20 World Cup.

Although he has yet to establish himself in the senior Super Eagles set-up, regular football in a top European league such as the Greek Super League could enhance his international prospects.

With the agreement in place and travel plans set, all that now stands between Dele-Bashiru and a new chapter in Greece is the successful completion of Monday’s medical.