“I’d prefer…” – Ipswich Town told to target different Watford star instead of £8m-rated Tom Dele-Bashiru
Ipswich Town are taking a keen interest in signing Watford midfielder Tom Dele-Bashiru this summer.
Football League World has exclusively revealed that Ipswich Town are contemplating a fresh bid for the Watford midfielder, following up on interest first registered in the January transfer window.
The 25-year-old, who made 27 Championship appearances last season, has just two years remaining on his contract at Vicarage Road – but with Watford reportedly seeking a fee in the region of £8 million, it remains to be seen whether a deal is viable.
The departure of Massimo Luongo and the return of loanees such as Kalvin Phillips and Jens-Lys Cajuste has left Kieran McKenna short of depth in the middle of the park – and the Tractor Boys’ summer transfer strategy will be crucial if they are to challenge for the top flight again.
Ipswich Town fan delivers transfer stance on £8m Watford midfielder Tom Dele-Bashiru
In light of Dele-Bashiru’s links to the Tractor Boys, Football League World spoke with our Ipswich Town fan pundit, Adam Wilkin, for his thoughts on a potential £8 million deal for the midfielder – and if he was good enough on paper for what Ipswich will need next season.
“Tom Dele-Bashiru links are an interesting one. I think he fits the profile of the type of midfielder that we’d want – he’s fairly tall, quick, physical, something that the midfield’s been lacking,” Wilkin told FLW.
“So, it wouldn’t surprise me if he was on the scouting radar, but I think based on the fact he doesn’t get in – or has been more of a rotation player at Watford – that paying money for him would probably be out of the question, and he would probably be more of a squad option.
“I think we’ve struggled with injury issues a lot this year, so signing another, not necessarily injury-prone, but someone who’s had injuries recently, would be a gamble, especially if that was for money.
“I also – if we were going to go for a Watford midfielder – I’d prefer us to go for Edo Kayembe there. I remember watching him last season, and he had a really good game, and he’s hit very good numbers this season as well.
“So yeah, I don’t think he’s good enough to start, but if he was available at a very, very cut-price as a squad player, he’s potentially someone that McKenna can get the best out of.”
Tom Dele-Bashiru deal would represent calculated risk for Ipswich
Tom Dele-Bashiru fits the mould of the type of player Ipswich may well target: mobile, technical, and capable of playing in a box-to-box role.
However, question marks over his injury record, price tag, and starting XI potential mean that – for fans like Wilkin – any deal would need to be carefully judged.
Kayembe, on the other hand, is more of an attacking midfielder, with the 26-year-old DR Congo international bagging eight goals and one assist from 44 Championship appearances this past season.
Therefore, whilst he is capable of operating as a traditional central midfielder, he could be seen as more competition in the number 10 role for Conor Chaplin.
As Ipswich prepare for a demanding return to the Championship and an impending overhaul in midfield, the club’s recruitment team face a balancing act: ensuring quality additions without overspending.
Whether Dele-Bashiru becomes part of that equation remains to be seen – but he certainly won’t be the last name linked before the window shuts.
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