Watford Loans Tom Dele-Bashiru, Elder Brother of Fisayo, to Gençlerbirliği
A former Nigeria U23 international, Tom Dele-Bashiru, has been loaned out by Championship club Watford to Turkish Super Lig side Gençlerbirliği SK for the remainder of the 2025–2026 season.
The deal was finalised before the close of the Turkish transfer window on Friday, 12 September.
Tom is the elder brother of Super Eagles midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru. Gençlerbirliği are seen to have pulled off a coup by securing his signature, having beaten off interest from Istanbul Başakşehir, Kocaelispor and Antalyaspor. Italian Serie A clubs Cremonese, Parma, Pisa and Bologna were also reportedly monitoring the player.
Since joining Watford (‘the Hornets’) from Manchester City in the summer of 2019, the 25 year old midfielder has scored eight goals and provided four assists. His breakthrough season came in 2023–2024, when he made 38 appearances for Watford. This season, however, Tom has featured just twice once in the Championship against Queens Park Rangers and once in the Carabao Cup first round against Norwich City.
Dele-Bashiru remains under contract with Watford until 30 June 2026, and the club retains the option to extend his deal by one additional year. Meanwhile, his new club Gençlerbirliği find themselves at the foot of the Super Lig table, having failed to pick up a point after four matches as they prepare to face Rizespor on Monday.
Editorial
The loan of Tom Dele-Bashiru to Gençlerbirliği presents a compelling narrative about the career trajectories of Nigerian footballers and the often unpredictable nature of professional football. We view this move through two primary lenses potential opportunity and inherent risk.
On the optimistic side, Tom's move to Turkey offers him much-needed playing time and a fresh environment in which to revitalise his career.
A former Nigeria U23 international, Tom Dele-Bashiru, has been loaned out by Championship club Watford to Turkish Super Lig side Gençlerbirliği SK for the remainder of the 2025–2026 season.
The deal was finalised before the close of the Turkish transfer window on Friday, 12 September.
Tom is the elder brother of Super Eagles midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru. Gençlerbirliği are seen to have pulled off a coup by securing his signature, having beaten off interest from Istanbul Başakşehir, Kocaelispor and Antalyaspor. Italian Serie A clubs Cremonese, Parma, Pisa and Bologna were also reportedly monitoring the player.
Since joining Watford (‘the Hornets’) from Manchester City in the summer of 2019, the 25 year old midfielder has scored eight goals and provided four assists. His breakthrough season came in 2023–2024, when he made 38 appearances for Watford. This season, however, Tom has featured just twice once in the Championship against Queens Park Rangers and once in the Carabao Cup first round against Norwich City.
Dele-Bashiru remains under contract with Watford until 30 June 2026, and the club retains the option to extend his deal by one additional year. Meanwhile, his new club Gençlerbirliği find themselves at the foot of the Super Lig table, having failed to pick up a point after four matches as they prepare to face Rizespor on Monday.
Editorial
The loan of Tom Dele-Bashiru to Gençlerbirliği presents a compelling narrative about the career trajectories of Nigerian footballers and the often unpredictable nature of professional football. We view this move through two primary lenses potential opportunity and inherent risk.
On the optimistic side, Tom's move to Turkey offers him much-needed playing time and a fresh environment in which to revitalise his career.