West Bromwich Albion Linked with January Move for Former Sheffield Wednesday Star
West Bromwich Albion have been connected with a potential January transfer swoop for Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, according to recent reports from Italian media. The Championship club, under new management, are exploring options to bolster their squad before the winter window closes at the end of the month.
Midfield Reinforcement Targeted
The Baggies are said to be keen on the 24-year-old Nigerian international, who currently plies his trade in Serie A with Lazio. Dele-Bashiru has featured in 10 matches across all competitions this season, with nine of those appearances coming in the league. Despite being under contract until the summer of 2028, speculation surrounds his future as interest from other clubs emerges.
Eric Ramsay, the newly appointed West Brom head coach, is looking to imprint his vision on the team he inherited. The Midlands outfit have the opportunity to both recruit new talent and allow certain players to depart before the transfer deadline passes. This strategic reshuffling comes at a crucial time as the club navigates their Championship campaign.
Dele-Bashiru's Career Journey
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru's footballing journey began in the esteemed academy of Manchester City, where he progressed through various youth levels but never made a senior appearance for the Premier League side. In 2020, he made a significant move to Sheffield Wednesday, establishing himself as a key figure at Hillsborough.
During his tenure with the Owls, the midfielder accumulated 86 appearances and scored six goals, showcasing his development and impact on the pitch. His performances attracted attention from abroad, leading to a transfer to Turkish club Hatayspor before Lazio secured his services. With 16 caps for Nigeria, Dele-Bashiru brings international experience to the table.
West Brom's Current Situation
West Bromwich Albion are currently positioned 19th in the Championship standings, holding a three-point cushion above the relegation zone after 29 fixtures. Their recent match ended in a 1-1 draw against Derby County at Pride Park, with defender Chris Mepham scoring a late equaliser.
Ramsay, who replaced the sacked Ryan Mason after leaving his role at MLS side Minnesota United, experienced defeats in his first two matches against Middlesbrough and Norwich City. The draw against Derby provided a measure of relief as the team seeks stability and improvement.
If the move for Dele-Bashiru materialises, he would be expected to enhance West Brom's midfield options, competing with existing players like Alex Mowatt and Jayson Molomby for a starting berth. His potential arrival could inject additional quality into the squad as they aim to climb the table.
Reflecting on the Derby result, Ramsay commented: "There's an element of relief, but there's also an element of it feeling just, based on the way the game was. We had good control of the game, certainly from a defensive perspective – we carried a reasonable threat while restricting them to very little."
He added: "In the situation we're in, following the game against Norwich, was a real credit to everyone involved. To suffer another setback in the way that we did, but to keep it together and keep plugging away was really impressive – that has to be the way we have to approach the rest of the year."
As the January transfer window approaches its conclusion, all eyes will be on West Bromwich Albion's activities, with the pursuit of Fisayo Dele-Bashiru highlighting their ambitions to strengthen the team for the challenges ahead.
