Tom Dele-Bashiru is on the verge of completing a permanent move to Greek Super League side Aris after the club reached an agreement with Watford for the midfielder’s transfer.
The 26-year-old is expected to become Aris’ first signing of the summer, bringing an end to his seven-year association with the English club.
Reports from Greece indicate that Aris and Watford have agreed a deal worth an initial €1.5 million, with performance-related bonuses capable of increasing the total package to €2 million.
The former Nigeria youth international is expected to arrive in Thessaloniki later this week to finalise the transfer and sign a three-year contract.
The move offers Dele-Bashiru a fresh challenge after spending most of his professional career in England, while also keeping alive his ambitions of earning a first senior call-up to the Super Eagles.
A graduate of Manchester City’s academy, the midfielder made one senior appearance for the Premier League champions before joining Watford in 2019.
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During his time at Vicarage Road, Dele-Bashiru made 81 appearances across all competitions, scoring eight goals and providing four assists. He also enjoyed loan spells away from the club, including a productive stint with Reading.
Most recently, he spent the 2025-26 campaign on loan at Turkish side Genclerbirligi, featuring in 30 matches and contributing one assist as he helped the club throughout the season.
His departure will see him become another Nigerian player to leave Watford, following a path previously taken by countrymen including William Troost-Ekong, Odion Ighalo, Peter Etebo, Danny Shittu, Sam Sodje and Ben Iroha.
The transfer could also enhance Dele-Bashiru’s chances of attracting the attention of Nigeria’s national team selectors.
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While younger brother Fisayo Dele-Bashiru has already established himself in the Super Eagles setup and earned a move to Lazio, Tom remains hopeful of securing his first senior international call-up.
Regular football in the Greek top flight may provide the platform he needs as he seeks to convince Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle ahead of future international assignments.
