Image Credits: Imago Images
The Premier League table is already creating pressure for clubs fighting at different ends of the standings.
Nottingham Forest who recently sacked former manager Sean Dyche, are deep in a survival battle.
They sit 17th, only three points above safety.
Every decision now carries weight and recruitment is one of them.
Clubs in that position often look for quick solutions in the transfer market.
They search for players who can add energy and stability.
Midfield is usually the first area they target.
Forest clearly tried to act in the winter window.
Their approach showed urgency.
It also showed how tight the competition is at this stage of the season.
The timing matters even more.
Liverpool visit the City Ground on February 22.
The Reds sit sixth. They are only two points behind Chelsea.
That makes the game important for both teams but for very different reasons.
Forest needed reinforcements before facing a team chasing European places.
But their plans did not go smoothly.
Their target remained out of reach.
According to Nicolo Schira, Lazio rejected two offers for Nigerian midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru during the winter transfer window.
Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth both showed interest.
Lazio refused to negotiate further.
The midfielder is reportedly valued at €6.5 million.
His contract runs until June 30, 2028.
That long deal strengthened Lazio’s position.
They had no pressure to sell.
This season, Dele-Bashiru has scored one goal and provided one assist in 13 matches.
His numbers are modest, but his physical style and work rate made him attractive to clubs fighting relegation.
From a Liverpool perspective, this development matters.
Forest will face the Reds without the midfield reinforcement they wanted.
That could affect their ability to control the game.
It also highlights the gap in stability between a club chasing Europe and one fighting to stay in the league.
Behind The Scenes – #Lazio have turned down two bids from Premier League’s Clubs for Fisayo #DeleBashiru in the last winter transfer window. #NottinghamForest and #Bournemouth were interested in the midfielder. #transfers
— Nicolò Schira (@NicoSchira) February 14, 2026
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