Former Man City star Dele-Bashiru joins Aris Thessaloniki in Greece after nine years in England

Former Nigeria Under-23 international Tom Dele-Bashiru has left Watford after seven years at the Championship club to join Greek side Aris Thessaloniki.

Watford confirmed the midfielder’s departure on the club’s official website, bringing an end to a spell that began when he joined from Manchester City in 2019.

The 26-year-old has signed a three-year contract with Aris, keeping him at the Greek Super League club until June 2029.

Dele-Bashiru enjoyed his most productive campaign during the 2024-25 season, scoring eight goals in all competitions.

He made an immediate impact by scoring just 33 seconds into Watford’s opening Championship fixture against Queens Park Rangers before adding several important goals during the campaign, including one in a 2-0 victory over local rivals Luton Town in February 2025.

During his time at Vicarage Road, the midfielder also spent periods on loan at Reading and Turkish club Gençlerbirliği, making a combined 69 appearances while contributing goals and assists.

The elder brother of Super Eagles midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru represented England at under-16 level before switching his international allegiance to Nigeria.

He featured for Nigeria at the 2019 FIFA Under-20 World Cup, scoring once during the tournament, and was also part of the Olympic Eagles squad that competed at the 2019 Africa U23 Cup of Nations.

Dele-Bashiru will now begin the next chapter of his career in Greece as Aris prepare for the new Super League season.