Not Just Guendouzi – Sunderland Also Interested in Lazio Outcast

Originally posted on The Laziali | By Michel Sakr | Last updated Nov 23, 2025 4:36 AM ET

Sunderland have already expressed their desire to sign Matteo Guendouzi, but they’re also keeping tabs on his Lazio teammate, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.

Earlier this week, the Black Cats’ manager, Regis Le Bris, confirmed that Guendouzi is one of the names on the club’s shortlist. The French manager had already worked with his compatriot in his early days at Lorient.

But according to La Repubblica (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), the Premier League boys are equally interested in Dele-Bashiru, who represents a cheaper alternative. While Guendouzi is valued at around €25-30 million, the Nigerian only cost the Biancocelesti €6 million in the summer of 2024, so his current price tag should be modest compared to his French teammate.

The Manchester City youth product has been out of action since suffering a hamstring injury in the Derby della Capitale defeat to Roma back in September. Maurizio Sarri then decided to drop him from the Serie A squad list to make room for Toma Basic.

Ahead of Sunday’s contest against Lecce, several reports in Italian football tipped Dele-Bashiru to be reinstated in place of Nicolo Rovella who will remain out of action until January after undergoing surgery. However, La Lazio Siamo Noi reveals that the club had a change of mind, and the Nigeria international remains on the outs, despite making a full recovery.

Some feel this is a sensible decision on Sarri’s part, as the 24-year-old is expected to join his national team for the African Cup of Nations next month. Others, however, believe this is a sign of an imminent January exit. After all, the midfielder had failed to convince the manager in the first three rounds of the season while operating as a left-sided box-to-box midfielder.

This article first appeared on The Laziali and was syndicated with permission.

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