Tom Dele-Bashiru’s Salary and Prospects at Watford F.C.

After four years since his transfer to Watford F.C., Tom Dele-Bashiru has finally cemented his place in the club’s lineup. Despite the team’s lackluster performance in the 2023/2024 season, the Nigerian midfielder is determined to break his own scoring record and convince the club’s management to renew his contract. The Kick Off Nigeria dives into the player’s finances. 

What is Tom Dele-Bashiru’s salary at Watford F.C.? 

The Nigerian youth international joined the Watford F.C. in the summer of 2019, with his agreement extending until June 30, 2025. Over the remaining two years in England, he will earn €819,718 excluding bonuses. For the 2023/2024 season, Dele-Bashiru will recieve €490,859, amounting to €9,440 per week.

Team Salary Overview: Dele-Bashiru Among Top-Paid African Players in the Squad 

In the 2023/2024 season, Watford F.C.’s total wage bill amounts to €16,593,379, or €319,103 per week. The highest-paid player in the team is defender Jamal Lewis. The Northern Irish national team player, on loan from Newcastle United F.C., earns €2,309,376 annually, or €44,411 per week.

Tom Dele-Bashiru, on the other hand, ranks 14th in the salary hierarchy, placing seventh among non-European players in the English club. Additionally, the Nigerian midfielder sits fourth among the highest-paid African footballers at Watford F.C. Jeremy Ngakia, the Congolese defender rounding out the top five, earns more than three times less. Dele-Bashiru also holds the fifth spot among players under 25 in the English team. Following him, German Kwadwo Baah earns over €4,500 less.

Career Salary Comparison 

For the first time, the Nigerian midfielder’s salary changed only after a loan agreement with Reading F.C. Dele-Bashiru’s earnings increased by more than one and a half times and remained unchanged even after returning to Watford F.C. It was from 2021 that the player began receiving the highest salary of his career.

Market Value: Sharp Decline After Loan Return 

Despite playing only three matches in his first season after joining Watford F.C., the Nigerian’s transfer value increased sixfold. However, throughout the 2020/2021 season, Tom Dele-Bashiru missed out due to an ACL injury, leading to a €200,000 drop in his transfer value. Nonetheless, his loan spell at Reading F.C. during the Championship playoffs became the most productive period of his career. Thanks to his standout performances, the player’s value soared more than 3.5 times, reaching its peak. However, his return to Watford proved unsuccessful, with just six appearances across all competitions, one assist, and more than a halving of his transfer value. Currently, Transfermarkt estimates Dele-Bashiru’s value at €1.2 million.

International Achievements 

In 2014, Tom Dele-Bashiru made his debut for the England U-16 national team, although he played only two matches. Five years later, the midfielder represented Nigeria at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland. During the tournament, Dele-Bashiru scored one goal, with Nigeria reaching the round of 16, where they lost to Senegal 2-1. Half a year later, the player made one appearance for the Nigerian U-23 team. However, he has yet to earn a call-up to the senior Nigerian national team.

Football and Financial Prospects

Despite setbacks in previous years, Tom Dele-Bashiru holds a regular place in the team’s lineup for the 2023/2024 season, being absent from only three Championship matches due to injury. The Nigerian has also managed to score three goals and provide three assists. If he maintains his place in the squad and continues his impressive statistics, he may not only secure a renewed contract with Watford F.C. on improved terms but also attract the attention of stronger European clubs.