Tom Dele-Bashiru Completes Permanent Move to Greek Side Aris FC After Leaving Watford
Nigerian midfielder Tom Dele-Bashiru has officially completed a permanent transfer to Greek Super League club Aris FC, bringing his five-year spell at English Championship side Watford to an end.
The 27-year-old has signed a three-year contract with the Greek outfit as Aris continue strengthening their squad ahead of the new season.
The move gives Dele-Bashiru a fresh opportunity to revive his career after spending the previous campaign on loan in Turkey.
Aris FC Confirm Three-Year Deal for Dele-Bashiru
Aris FC confirmed the signing of Tom Dele-Bashiru on Thursday, with the Nigerian midfielder putting pen to paper on a contract that will keep him at the club until 2029.
The Yellow and Blacks believe the experienced midfielder will add quality, creativity, and depth to their midfield as they prepare for another competitive Greek Super League campaign.
Although financial details of the transfer were not disclosed, the move marks a new chapter for the former Manchester City academy graduate.
Strong Loan Spell in Turkey Earned Him Another European Opportunity
Before completing his move to Greece, Dele-Bashiru spent the 2025/26 season on loan at Turkish Super Lig club Gençlerbirliği.
He featured in 30 matches across all competitions, producing several impressive performances that helped him remain a valuable option in midfield.
His consistency in Turkey appears to have convinced Aris FC to secure his services on a permanent basis.
From Manchester City Prospect to Watford Midfielder
Dele-Bashiru began his football journey in the renowned Manchester City Academy, making his senior debut for the Premier League club in an EFL Cup fixture in 2017.
Seeking more first-team opportunities, he joined Watford in 2019.
During his time with the Hornets, he made 81 appearances, scoring eight goals and providing four assists in all competitions.
Despite showing flashes of his talent, regular playing time proved difficult to secure, leading to loan moves before his permanent departure this summer.
Nigeria International Continues His European Journey
Although Dele-Bashiru represented England at Under-16 level, he later switched his international allegiance to Nigeria.
He was part of the Flying Eagles squad at the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup, where he scored once during the tournament and established himself as one of Nigeria’s promising young midfielders.
Now with Aris FC, the midfielder will be hoping to enjoy consistent football and further strengthen his chances of remaining in contention for future national team opportunities.
Tom Dele-Bashiru Career Snapshot
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Tom Dele-Bashiru |
| Age | 27 |
| New Club | Aris FC |
| Previous Club | Watford |
| Contract Length | Three years |
| Last Season | Loan at Gençlerbirliği |
| Appearances (2025/26) | 30 |
| Watford Record | 81 appearances, 8 goals, 4 assists |
| International Team | Nigeria |
| FIFA U-20 World Cup | 2019 (1 goal) |
Dele-Bashiru will now aim to make an immediate impact at Aris FC as he begins a new chapter in the Greek Super League, hoping regular first-team football can reignite his career and help him reach the next level.
