Lazio coach pushes for Dele-Bashiru exit amid club’s financial struggles

Lazio manager Maurizio Sarri has reportedly instructed the club to consider selling Nigerian midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru during the upcoming January transfer window, though the club’s sporting director, Angelo Fabiani, is said to prefer keeping the 24-year-old, Sport360NG reports.

Sarri, who returned to Lazio in June for a second spell, has frequently expressed doubts over Dele-Bashiru’s impact. His current stance, however, appears influenced by the club’s need to balance finances.

Dele-Bashiru, sidelined with a hamstring injury since late September, has featured in just four Serie A matches this season. The Nigerian joined Lazio from Hatayspor over the summer in a €3.4 million deal but has struggled to match the form he displayed in Turkey. Last season, he appeared 20 times for Lazio in the league, scoring three goals and providing one assist, compared to eight goals and three assists in two campaigns at Hatayspor.

While Dele-Bashiru has begun individual training, indicating progress in his recovery, he may still face an uncertain future under Sarri, especially with the winter transfer window approaching. Reports from Lazio Press suggest he is not considered a central figure in the coach’s plans.

The midfielder is not the only player Sarri is willing to offload; Reda Belahyane and Tijjani Noslin are also reportedly being considered for sale to generate funds for future signings.