Lazio have rejected multiple loan offers for Nigerian midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru as the club plans to keep him for the remainder of the season.
Premier League sides, including Bournemouth, Sunderland and Nottingham Forest, showed interest in signing the 24-year-old during the winter transfer window. Turkish club Trabzonspor also made enquiries.
However, Lazio turned down every approach.
According to reports from Italy, Bournemouth submitted a loan offer with an option to buy. The deal included an €18m clause. Lazio considered the proposal unattractive and refused to negotiate further.
The Serie A club want Dele-Bashiru to stay due to injuries in midfield.
Matias Vecino has already moved to Celta Vigo. Reda Belahyane is also close to leaving. This has reduced Lazio’s squad depth and forced manager Maurizio Sarri to hold on to the Nigerian.
Club officials believe keeping Dele-Bashiru is necessary to maintain balance in the team.
Despite a strong showing for Nigeria at AFCON 2025, the midfielder has struggled for minutes since returning to Italy. He has played only 40 minutes across all competitions.
Still, Lazio see him as important cover for the second half of the season.
Dele-Bashiru is reportedly open to returning to England. The former Manchester City player wants a Premier League move but is not pushing for an immediate exit.
For now, he will remain in Rome and fight for his place.
A summer transfer now looks more likely.
