English Premier League
Sunderland add Dele-Bashiru to midfield targets as Lazio place Nigerian on exit list
By Oluwadamilola Olaleye
Sunderland have expanded their search for midfield reinforcements ahead of the January transfer window, adding Nigerian international Fisayo Dele-Bashiru to a growing shortlist of options currently under assessment at Lazio.
The Championship side remain in active talks with Matteo Guendouzi, with manager Régis Le Bris confirming continued communication with the Frenchman.
However, according to La Repubblica, Sunderland are also exploring alternative profiles within the Serie A club—one of whom is Dele-Bashiru, whose future in Rome has become increasingly uncertain.
Maurizio Sarri has reportedly placed the 23-year-old on Lazio’s list of potential departures, making a mid-season transfer plausible.
Yet sources in Italy suggest the final decision will depend on Lazio’s squad needs as the window approaches and how the market evolves.
Dele-Bashiru, who arrived from Hatayspor last year for €3.43 million, has struggled for consistency and regular minutes.
His situation took another twist when Sarri omitted him from the squad that faced Lecce—despite expectations that he would return to the roster after being excluded in late September to accommodate Toma Bašić.
The latest omission has raised further questions about the midfielder’s standing within the Biancocelesti setup and whether the club considers him surplus to requirements.
With Sunderland signalling concrete interest and internal indicators at Lazio pointing toward uncertainty, January is shaping up to be a decisive month for Dele-Bashiru’s future—either as part of Sarri’s plans or on a new path in English football.
