Nigerian midfielder Ayotomiwa “Tom” Dele-Bashiru has completed a permanent move to Greek Super League club Aris FC, bringing an end to his seven-year spell with English Championship side Watford.
The 26-year-old has signed a three-year contract with the Thessaloniki-based club, with Aris officially confirming the transfer as they continue strengthening their squad ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Dele-Bashiru leaves Watford after making more than 70 senior appearances, scoring six goals during his time at Vicarage Road. Although he showed flashes of his quality, regular first-team opportunities became increasingly limited in recent seasons.
A product of Manchester City’s renowned academy, the midfielder joined Watford in 2019 in search of senior football. During his time with the Hornets, he also gained valuable experience on loan at Reading during the 2021/22 season and later with Turkish club Gençlerbirliği, where he impressed with his energetic displays in midfield.
Known for his athleticism, composure on the ball, and ability to operate as both a defensive and box-to-box midfielder, Dele-Bashiru arrives at Aris as an experienced addition capable of adding balance and physicality to the team’s midfield.
The Greek club believes the Nigerian will play an important role as they look to improve on last season’s mid-table finish and challenge for a place in European competition.
The move also represents a fresh opportunity for Dele-Bashiru to establish himself as a regular starter after spending much of the past few seasons rotating between loans and limited appearances in England.
Born in Manchester, Dele-Bashiru has represented Nigeria at youth international level and remains eligible for a senior Super Eagles call-up. His performances in Greece will be closely monitored by Nigerian football supporters and the national team coaching staff.
He is also the younger brother of Super Eagles midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, who has continued to impress in European football, adding another chapter to one of Nigeria’s most promising footballing families.
Aris are expected to integrate Dele-Bashiru into the squad immediately as pre-season preparations continue, with the midfielder hoping to make an immediate impact ahead of the new Greek Super League campaign.
For Dele-Bashiru, the move offers a chance to revive his career, secure regular first-team football, and continue his development in one of Europe’s competitive leagues while keeping his ambitions of representing the Super Eagles at senior level firmly alive.
