Brighton and Hove Albion are reportedly keen on acquiring Nigerian midfielder Fisayo Ayodele-Bashiru from Lazio in what could be a significant move during the current transfer window. The 23-year-old, recognized for his attacking style of play and versatility in midfield, has quickly gained attention after impressing in Italy this season.

He originally joined Lazio on a season-long loan from Turkish club Hatayspor in the previous transfer window. The loan deal came with a provision for Lazio to make the transfer permanent at the end of the season, depending on his performance.

Ayodele-Bashiru’s time in Serie A has been marked by strong performances, as he has proven to be a dynamic and influential player in Lazio’s midfield. Despite his relatively short stay in Italy, he has made a noticeable impact, scoring four goals and providing two assists in just 17 appearances across all competitions this season.

His ability to contribute both offensively and defensively, combined with his technical skill and vision on the ball, has garnered attention from a number of clubs, with Brighton now at the forefront of the race for his signature.

Before making his move to Lazio, Ayodele-Bashiru had spent time in the youth ranks at Manchester City, where he developed his footballing skills. Although he never made a senior appearance for City, his time in the club’s academy exposed him to high-level coaching and development.

This experience in England could make a return to the Premier League appealing, especially if he sees an opportunity for more regular first-team action. A move to Brighton could offer him that opportunity, with the club already showing a clear interest in bringing him to the Amex Stadium.

Brighton, under manager Roberto De Zerbi, has already strengthened their midfield by signing Paraguayan Diego Gomez from Inter Miami.

However, the club remains committed to reinforcing their squad further, particularly in midfield, where they have identified Ayodele-Bashiru as a player who could add depth and versatility to their ranks. According to reports from Sports Witness UK, Brighton has already opened discussions with Lazio about a potential move for the Nigerian midfielder.

Despite Brighton’s interest, Lazio appears reluctant to part with Ayodele-Bashiru. The Serie A side has expressed their intention to keep the 23-year-old as part of their long-term plans.

The Italian club views him as a key asset in their midfield, and they are eager to incorporate him into their future development strategies. This has led to Lazio reaffirming their commitment to retaining the player, despite the growing interest from Premier League clubs.

From Lazio’s perspective, Ayodele-Bashiru has proven to be a valuable asset, and the club sees him as part of a solid foundation for the years to come. Lazio’s managerial staff has praised his development and the maturity he has shown on the pitch, considering him a crucial figure for their midfield moving forward.

Therefore, while there may be interest from clubs like Brighton, Lazio’s priority remains keeping Ayodele-Bashiru in their ranks.

For Ayodele-Bashiru, the prospect of a return to England may prove enticing, but he faces a difficult decision. The midfielder is in a position where he must weigh the benefits of continuing to develop with Lazio, where he has become an important player, against the allure of Premier League football with a club like Brighton that is eager to give him more opportunities.

The coming weeks will likely reveal whether Brighton’s interest materializes into a concrete offer or if Lazio can convince Ayodele-Bashiru that his future lies in Italy.

As the transfer window progresses, it remains to be seen where Ayodele-Bashiru’s future will lie, but one thing is certain: his performances in Italy have made him one of the most talked-about young midfielders in European football.