Greek Super League club Aris FC have completed the signing of Nigerian midfielder Tom Dele-Bashiru from Sky Bet Championship side Watford on a three years contract.
The move brings an end to Dele-Bashiru’s six-year association with the Hornets and marks the first permanent transfer of his career outside English football.
The Thessaloniki-based club officially unveiled the midfielder on Wednesday, describing him as an important addition ahead of the new season after reaching an agreement with Watford.
Speaking after signing his contract, Dele-Bashiru expressed his excitement at beginning a new chapter with Aris and revealed that conversations with teammate Benjamin Garre helped convince him about the move.
“Aris is a new challenge in my career and I am excited to now belong to this club.
“I have learned a lot about Aris. I know Benjamin Garre, who plays here, and I have spoken with him enough to get information about my new team.
“I’m joining a team that has high ambitions and I can’t wait to get on the field to work with my coach and my new teammates.
“Aris fans, who I know are enthusiastic and create a warm atmosphere, can be sure that they will see a player who will give his all for their team.
“I’m looking forward to seeing them at the stadium, and together we will do everything to achieve our goals this season.”
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End of a six-year Watford spell
Dele-Bashiru joined Watford from Manchester City’s academy in 2019 after making his senior debut for the Premier League champions in an EFL Cup match two years earlier.
Although opportunities were initially limited, he gained valuable experience during a loan spell at Reading in the 2021/22 season, where he made 38 Championship appearances, scoring four goals and providing two assists.
He later established himself as a regular member of the Watford squad, particularly during the 2023/24 and 2024/25 campaigns.
Overall, the midfielder leaves Vicarage Road having made 81 appearances, scored eight goals and registered four assists.
Last season, Dele-Bashiru spent the campaign on loan at Turkish Süper Lig side Gençlerbirliği, where he was a key figure in midfield, making 30 appearances across all competitions before earning his move to Greece.
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Born in Manchester to Nigerian parents, Dele-Bashiru represented England at Under-16 level before switching his international allegiance to Nigeria.
He featured for the Flying Eagles at the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland, scoring once during the tournament and emerging as one of Nigeria’s standout performers.
