“Every last penny” – Watford urged to charge Ipswich Town premium price for Watford star
Watford Look to Climb the Championship Under Pezzolano as Ipswich Target Dele-Bashiru
Watford will be aiming for a stronger push in the Championship next season under new head coach Paulo Pezzolano, following a disappointing 14th-place finish this term.
The Hornets have already begun reshaping their squad, with former Peterborough United captain Hector Kyprianou joining on a free transfer.
According to Football League World, recently relegated Ipswich Town are showing interest in Watford midfielder Tom Dele-Bashiru. The Hornets reportedly value the 24-year-old at £8 million.
However, FLW’s Watford fan pundit, Justin Beattie, believes that valuation may be overly optimistic.
Doubts Over £8m Valuation for Dele-Bashiru
“Tom Dele-Bashiru has never really had a long, consistent run in the team,” said Beattie. “Injuries have been a major setback for him during his time at Watford. Honestly, I’m surprised Ipswich are pursuing him.
“£8 million seems like a high valuation — perhaps too high. It could be Watford’s way of deterring other clubs or squeezing every last pound out of a potential deal.
“I’d be surprised if he ends up at Ipswich, but maybe a move is due. We might’ve already seen the best of him in a Watford shirt during the periods when he was fully fit.”
Dele-Bashiru Sale Could Fuel Watford’s Rebuild
Once a regular in the Premier League and FA Cup finalists just six years ago, Watford now find themselves battling mid-table in the Championship. It’s been three years since top-flight football graced Vicarage Road, and each passing season increases fears of the club settling as a perennial second-tier side.
With Ipswich having lost several midfielders — including Massimo Luongo, Kalvin Phillips, Jens-Lys Cajuste, and Julio Enciso — the Tractor Boys are in urgent need of reinforcements. Watford may look to take advantage by demanding a “parachute payment premium” for Dele-Bashiru.
While parting ways with the midfielder would be a loss, a potential £8 million windfall could significantly boost Watford’s transfer budget and allow Pezzolano to strengthen key areas of the squad.
In that light, a sale may bring short-term sacrifice but pave the way for long-term gains in the club’s promotion push.
