Bournemouth Launched an Attempt to Sign Nigeria Star From Lazio | OneFootball

Bournemouth reportedly became the latest Premier League club to enquire about Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.

The Background

The 25-year-old is a Manchester City youth product who joined the Biancocelesti in the summer of 2024 following an impressive campaign in Turkiye with Hatayspor. However, the Nigerian hasn’t been able to lock himself a starting role, whether last season under Marco Baroni or this term with Maurizio Sarri.

Lazio Refuse to Send Fisayo Dele-Bashiru to Bournemouth

While the midfielder has yet to prove his worth in Italy, he still has suitors on the English shores. In recent weeks, he has been linked with West Bromwich Albion and Nottingham Forest. According to La Lazio Siamo Noi, Bournemouth made contact with the Aquile in recent hours, offering a loan with an option to buy at €18 million. Nevertheless, Lazio swiftly turned down the offer.

Lazio & Bournemouth Have Had Intertwining Markets

This winter, the transfer campaigns of Lazio and the Cherries have overlapped on several occasions. The English club beat the Italian capital side for the services of young Hungarian midfielder Alex Toth and Brazilian teenager Rayan. On the other hand, the two clubs shook hands earlier this week after finalising the transfer of Greek goalkeeper Christos Mandas.

Why Lazio Want to Keep Dele-Bashiru

But while Bournemouth tried to capitalize on their newly-established bridge with Lazio by acquiring Dele-Bashiru, it appears that the Biancocelesti have other plans. While the Nigerian remains a backup option, Angelo Fabiani is currently working on sending Reda Belahyane back to Hellas Verona, while Matias Vecino could join Celta Vigo on Monday, so the club cannot afford to offload another midfielder.