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Bristol Post
Bristol Post
Sport
Richard Forrester

'Pace and power' - The lowdown on Sheffield Wednesday's Dele-Bashiru amid Bristol City links

There's just over a week left of the transfer window and despite Nigel Pearson's eagerness to strengthen his side, there hasn't been much activity coming out of Ashton Gate.

That is down to the lack of transfer funds available with the manager reiterating the need to sell players before bringing any new faces into the squad.

A central defender remains the number one priority but a new midfielder is also a target and reports in the Star linking Sheffield Wednesday's 21-year-old Fisayo Dele-Bashiru to Ashton Gate are certainly an intriguing development.

More specifically a defensive midfielder is one area of the squad where City are lacking depth despite Andy King staying on for another year as a player/coach and the lack of offers for Han-Noah Massengo.

City will be left in a precarious position in regards to the Frenchman if they receive a late offer. With his contract next year expiring they will almost certainly have to sell this summer to avoid losing him for nothing although time could be of the essence to find a much-needed replacement.

In that respect, reports linking Dele-Bashiru to Ashton Gate make sense but whether it's an achievable transfer target remains to be seen. To find out what type of player he is and his situation with the Owls, we spoke to Wednesday's Yorkshire Live reporter Dom Howson.

What type of player is he and what kind of player can City expect if they sign him?

He is an exciting, dynamic, box-to-box midfielder. He has got everything in his locker to reach the top: pace, power and athleticism.

With his skill set, Dele-Bashiru is more suited to playing higher up the pitch. That is where he can influence proceedings and do more damage.

What are his strengths?

He is a great ball carrier. His trademark runs from deep frighten defenders and put the opposition on the back foot.

He has got an eye for goal. Dele-Bashiru underlined his undoubted ability with a superb double in the opening-day draw at home to Portsmouth. He is capable of creating or scoring a goal out of nothing.

What are his weaknesses?

He has struggled for consistency throughout his Owls career. There are times when matches pass Dele-Bashiru by and he doesn't make the impact that he should with his talent. He has got the attributes to take games by the scruff of the neck.

After two encouraging performances against Portsmouth and Milton Keynes Dons, Dele-Bashiru lost his place in the starting XI after a quiet display in the Charlton Athletic win. Now he has got a job on his hands to regain his midfield spot.

In your opinion, can you see Fisayo Dele-Bashiru leaving Sheffield Wednesday this summer?

I would be surprised if Wednesday sold Dele-Bashiru before the transfer window shuts. Wednesday have already turned down one offer from Blackpool for Dele-Bashiru this summer.


Darren Moore has made it clear he does not want to lose Dele-Bashiru. He views Dele-Bashiru as a valuable member of his squad as Wednesday target promotion back to the Championship. The club remain in talks with Dele-Bashiru's representatives over a new contract with his present deal expiring at the end of the season.

If he were to leave, how much is he likely to cost?

It would have to be a sizable offer for Wednesday to even consider letting Dele-Bashiru go.
When Manchester City sold Dele-Bashiru to Wednesday in the summer of 2020, the Premier League giants inserted a sell-on clause as part of the deal. It means Wednesday would have to sell high to make a decent profit on the 21-year-old.

How would the supporters react to his departure?

Many would be disappointed. Wednesday have one of the oldest squads in League One and Dele-Bashiru gives them some much-needed youth and vibrancy in the middle of the park.

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