Tom Dele-Bashiru’s Salary at Watford F.C.: A Career-Defining Contract Amid Challenges

After securing a new and improved contract, Nigerian midfielder Tom Dele-Bashiru started the 2024/25 season strongly with Watford F.C., becoming a key player in the team’s push for a top-five finish. However, a late October injury has temporarily sidelined what was shaping up to be the most successful season of his career. Kick Off Nigeria looks into the player’s financial stories.

What Is Tom Dele-Bashiru’s Salary at Watford F.C.?

Dele-Bashiru joined Watford F.C. in the summer of 2019. After several consistent seasons, he signed a contract extension in 2024, committing to the club until June 30, 2026. Over the two years of his current deal, the midfielder will earn €1,001,068, excluding bonuses. For the 2024/25 season, his annual salary is €500,534, or €9,626 per week.

His monthly earnings are €41,711, while his daily income stands at €1,375. This marks a significant improvement over his previous contract, making it the highest salary of his career to date.

Dele-Bashiru Among Watford’s Top African Earners

In the 2024/25 season, Watford F.C.’s total wage expenditure amounts to €21,989,824 per year. The team’s highest earners are Moussa Sissoko and Angelo Ogbonna, each making €2,815,506 annually.

Dele-Bashiru ranks 16th in Watford’s overall wage list, 10th among foreign players, and 5th among the club’s African players. His salary also places him fifth among Watford players under the age of 25, demonstrating his growing value to the team.

Career Salary Comparison 

Dele-Bashiru’s salary has seen steady increases throughout his career. His earnings first rose significantly during a loan spell at Reading F.C., where he enjoyed a successful season in the Championship. After returning to Watford, his wages remained unchanged until his 2024 contract extension, which boosted his salary by over 50%.

This makes his current deal not only the most lucrative of his career but also a testament to his growing importance in the team.

Market Value Trends

Dele-Bashiru’s market value has fluctuated throughout his career, reflecting both his performances and periods of inactivity due to injury. Upon joining Watford, his value increased sixfold during his first season. However, a cruciate ligament injury in 2020 caused a sharp decline.

A successful loan season at Reading saw his market value peak at €2.5 million. Despite a solid 2023/24 season, his value remains at €1.2 million as of 2024, ranking him 10th among Watford players.

Achievements with Nigeria

Although Dele-Bashiru began his youth international career with England U-16, he later represented Nigeria at the 2019 U-20 World Cup in Poland. He scored one goal during the tournament, helping Nigeria reach the Round of 16 before losing to Senegal.

Despite these early achievements, Dele-Bashiru has yet to receive a call-up to the senior Nigerian national team.

Future Prospects

Dele-Bashiru began the 2024/25 season in impressive form, scoring two goals in his first two months. However, his late October injury has cast uncertainty over his immediate future. A prolonged recovery could jeopardize his starting spot and hinder his efforts to fully establish himself as a key player for Watford.

If he manages to regain form and fitness, Dele-Bashiru has the potential to continue his upward trajectory and earn an even more lucrative contract in the future.