This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
Watford will be hoping to fight higher up the Championship next season under new manager Paulo Pezzolano, after finishing just 14th in the standings this term.
The club are already well underway with their business this transfer window, acquiring former Peterborough United captain Hector Kyprianou on a free.
Football League World exclusively revealed that Ipswich Town are eyeing up Watford midfielder Tom Dele-Bashiru following their relegation from the Premier League, who the Hornets value at £8 million.
FLW’s Watford fan pundit, Justin Beattie, believes the club would be lucky to receive such a sizeable fee for the midfielder this summer.
Verdict handed over Ipswich's Tom Dele-Bashiru interest
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“Tom Dele-Bashiru is one of those players that hasn't really had long consecutive runs in the team,” explained Justin. “He has struggled with injuries quite a bit since he's been with us. I'm surprised that Ipswich are in for him.
|Dele-Bashiru's 24/25 Championship stats - per FotMob|
|Appearances|Goals|Pass accuracy|Tackles won|Avg. match rating|
|---|
|27|4|91.4%|77.3%|6.9/10|
“I'm not sure that £8 million is the right valuation. I think that might be too high. Maybe it's Watford's way of trying to keep other clubs’ hands off him, or to get every last penny out of Dele-Bashiru.
“But I think I'd be surprised to see him go to Ipswich, but maybe it is time he moved on, as perhaps we have seen the best of him whilst he's been fit to play for us over the past few seasons.”
Tom Dele-Bashiru’s could fund a big summer for Watford
Paulo Pezzolano
For a club that just six years ago enjoyed a status as Premier League regulars and FA Cup finalists, Watford will be desperately unhappy with their current Championship residency.
It’s been three years since Vicarage Road last hosted a top-flight match and the longer that run continues, the more the Hornets threaten to become resigned to just another consistent second-tier outfit.
A midfield exodus at Ipswich Town has seen the likes of Massimo Luongo, Kalvin Phillips, Jens-Lys Cajuste and Julio Enciso all exit the club, which means the Tractor Boys will be desperate to recruit reinforcements immediately.
Watford should use this to advantage, charging a parachute payment premium for their asset.
Although losing Dele-Bashiru would be a blow for the Hornets, an extra £8 million in the transfer kitty could be used to upgrade multiple areas of the squad.
Therefore, Pezzolano and Co. may have to suffer some short-term pain in losing the midfielder for a long-term gain later this season.
Gino Pozzo - Watford Related
["Last chance saloon" - Gino Pozzo sent clear Watford FC warning after £125m sale](https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/gino-pozzo-sent-clear-watford-fc-warning-after-udinese-sale/ ""Last chance saloon" - Gino Pozzo sent clear Watford FC warning after £125m sale")
FLW's Watford fan pundit has given his thoughts on owner Gino Pozzo's decision to sell Udinese and concentrate on events at Vicarage Road.