Lazio Name Their Price as Nottingham Forest Enquire About Nigeria Star

Nottingham Forest have reportedly enquired about Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, who is currently on international duty with Nigeria.

The Background

The 24-year-old joined the Biancocelesti in the summer of 2024 after a positive season in Turkiye with Hatayspor. The Nigerian’s first season in Serie A was considered a learning experience, but he wasn’t able to lock in a starting role.

Last summer, the transfer ban forced Maurizio Sarri to rely on already-present options, which gave Dele-Bashiru the opportunity to play alongside Matteo Guendouzi and Nicolo Rovella in the first few weeks of the season. However, the Manchester City youth product suffered an injury against Roma in September, ruling him out of action for several months.

Lazio Revamping Their Midfield in January

The Nigerian made a brief return to Sarri’s squad last month before leaving for the African Cup of Nations in mid-December. However, the Lagos native could find a different landscape when he returns to Formello, as Lazio have already signed a new box-to-box midfielder in Kenneth Taylor, while Alex Toth could follow suit, which could limit his role at the club, even with Guendouzi gone.

Nottingham Forest Enquire About Dele-Bashiru

At this stage, Dele-Bashiru isn’t considered unsellable by any means. According to La Lazio Siamo Noi, the Biancocelesti set their asking price at €15 million after receiving an enquiry from Nottingham Forest, who are pondering an offer for the player.

Forest’s Preferred Formula

The source notes that the Premier League club is currently facing some restrictions related to Financial Fair Play issues. Hence, Forest would likely try to secure an initial loan deal with the option to buy the player at the end of the season. It remains to be seen if Lazio would accept such a formula, as they’re dealing with similar problems, and would prefer to cash in on the midfielder immediately.