Manchester United have added a surprising name to their midfield transfer targets: Lazio's Fisayo Dele-Bashiru. The Red Devils have already secured their first summer signing, with Ederson set to join from Atalanta. The Brazilian has been called up to his country's World Cup squad as a replacement for the injured Wesley but is expected to move to Old Trafford after the tournament.
Additional Midfield Signings Expected
Manchester United are likely to make at least one more central midfield signing, with several names being considered. Nottingham Forest and England midfielder Elliot Anderson appears near the top of their wishlist, while Brighton's Carlos Baleba, Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, and Bournemouth's Alex Scott are also of interest. All these Premier League options would be expensive, but United have identified a cheaper alternative.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru: A Value Option
The 25-year-old Nigeria international, who has 18 caps, came through Manchester City's academy but never played for them professionally. He moved to Sheffield Wednesday in 2020, spending three years with the Owls in the Championship and League One before joining Turkish side Hatayspor. An initial loan to Lazio was made permanent last summer for just €5.4 million (£4.6m), and his performances in Italy have caught United's attention.
While Dele-Bashiru's signing seems unlikely given the calibre of other targets, he could provide value if more expensive deals fall through. Italian outlet TuttoMercatoWeb reported in January that Nottingham Forest were interested and Lazio valued him at €15m (£12.9m). That would be a fraction of the price for Anderson, who could cost around £100m, or Scott, for whom Bournemouth want £80m. Even relegated West Ham have placed an £80m asking price on another United target, Matheus Fernandes.
United's pursuit of Dele-Bashiru highlights their need to balance quality with financial prudence in the transfer market.
