It’s been a whirlwind journey for Nigerian midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, whose impressive performances for Lazio this season have reportedly put Premier League clubs on high alert. The 23-year-old has gone from strength to strength in Serie A, making waves domestically and in European competitions, while also solidifying his place in Nigeria’s national team.

The Journey of a Rising Star

Born in Hamburg and raised in England, Dele-Bashiru’s footballing roots were nurtured in Manchester City’s academy, where he spent over a decade honing his craft. Though he never featured for City’s senior team, he made his mark at youth level, including lifting the U18 Premier League Cup.

In 2020, the midfielder took the leap into professional football, joining Sheffield Wednesday. There, he played a pivotal role in the club’s promotion to the Championship in 2022. His ability to dictate play and score crucial goals soon caught the eye of Turkish side Hatayspor, who secured his signature in July 2023.

From Turkey to Italy

Dele-Bashiru’s debut season in the Turkish Süper Lig was nothing short of spectacular. Scoring eight goals, he finished as Hatayspor’s joint-top scorer and was instrumental in their dramatic survival on the final day of the season.

This performance paved the way for a €2 million move to Lazio in the summer of 2024, a deal structured as a loan with an obligation to buy. Dele-Bashiru quickly adapted to the demands of Serie A, earning plaudits for his box-to-box dynamism.

Making Waves at Lazio

In just 11 Serie A appearances, Dele-Bashiru has already scored twice, including a vital equalizer in a high-stakes clash against Atalanta. His impact extends to Europe as well, where he has tallied two goals and two assists in four Europa League outings.

His standout performances haven’t gone unnoticed. Reports from Lazio News 24 suggest that unnamed Premier League clubs are monitoring the midfielder closely, raising the prospect of a return to English football.

A Rising Force for the Super Eagles

Dele-Bashiru’s rise isn’t confined to club football. Since making his international debut for Nigeria, he has become a reliable contributor, with five caps and two critical goals. His strikes in a World Cup qualifier against South Africa and an AFCON qualifier against Libya have further cemented his status as a rising star for the Super Eagles.

As Premier League clubs circle, Dele-Bashiru’s next chapter could mark a triumphant return to England. For now, his focus remains on maintaining his momentum at Lazio and helping Nigeria achieve success on the international stage.