Lazio’s Nigerian midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, is making waves during his loan spell from Turkish side Hatayspor. Following his goal in Lazio’s 1-1 stalemate with Atalanta, head coach Marco Baroni praised the 23-year-old’s physical impact.
“Dele is improving every day, he played a lot in the Europa League this season and perhaps needs more quality in his passing, but is physically very effective,” the Italian trainer said.
This has sparked discussions about whether the Italian club should activate the €7 million buy option to secure his services permanently.
Impressing in the Italian capital: Dele-Bashiru’s performance so far
Dele-Bashiru has proven to be a valuable asset across all competitions. In Serie A, he has made nine appearances (five starts), netting two goals and achieving a passing accuracy of 91%.
While his successful dribble rate is 71%, his average playtime of 48 minutes per game suggests there’s room for increased involvement.
His Europa League performances have been particularly notable, with four starts yielding two goals and two assists. Impressively, he has maintained a 95% passing accuracy and contributed significantly to Lazio’s midfield dynamics with an average of 76 minutes per game.
In the Coppa Italia, Dele-Bashiru showcased his composure and technical abilities, completing 97% of his passes in his sole appearance.
A Future at Lazio? Key factors in the decision
Lazio faces a crucial decision on whether to make Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s loan move permanent. The midfielder has demonstrated his ability to deliver in pivotal moments, complementing his impressive passing accuracy across European and domestic competitions. These qualities position him as a valuable long-term prospect for the Italian club.
Former Nigeria international Taye Taiwo believes the move is mutually beneficial, stressing the potential advantages for all parties.
“Instead, I would prefer to sign for Lazio, because the scene is much more prestigious. He has already proved his worth since his arrival, with five-goal contributions in 13 games for a midfielder. This represents a great opportunity, for Dele-Bashiru, Lazio and Hatayspor,” he told Africa Foot.
However, challenges remain. Dele-Bashiru’s limited minutes in Serie A and a modest dribble success rate in the Europa League (40%) highlight areas for improvement. Despite this, the reported €7 million fee and a potential contract until 2028 signal Lazio’s belief in his long-term potential.
This decision is not just about Dele-Bashiru’s immediate impact but also about securing a young, dynamic midfielder who could grow into a key figure at the club.
