This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Championship side Norwich City are interested in a move for Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, according to an update from Sky Sports (12/7; 18:24).

The 21-year-old was a semi-regular figure for the Owls last term, making 24 league appearances for Darren Moore's men during the 2021/22 campaign as they narrowly missed out on a return to the second tier.

Despite not exactly appearing as one of the first names on the teamsheet at Hillsborough though, he could be about to take the step up with the Canaries and Blackpool both believed to be interested in securing his services.

 

 

In fact, the Seasiders have gone as far as launching a bid, with Michael Appleton yet to make a single signing yet but needing to address his side's midfield situation after missing out on previous target Ebou Adams.

From Norwich's point of view though, would this be a good signing for them? And is he ready to take the step up to the second tier yet?

We asked three of our writers at Football League World for their verdicts on these two key questions.

Declan Harte

The 21-year-old emerged last season as an impressive figure for Wednesday, displaying plenty of potential in his first full season at this level.

A move to the Championship may be coming a season too early for Dele-Bashiru as it is unclear that he would go straight into the Norwich side.

While he certainly could compete in the second division, the Canaries will be aiming for promotion under Dean Smith which will ramp up the pressure on a young, inexperienced player coming in.

Asserting himself as a key player for the Owls may be the safer option for him, but if he backs himself to succeed at Norwich and puts the work in then this could be an excellent long-term addition to their squad.

Ned Holmes

This looks like a signing with the future in mind for me.

Given Dele-Bashiru struggled to cement a regular place in Sheffield Wednesday's starting XI next season, he's unlikely to come in and be an important player for Norwich City.

But there can be no denying that the 21-year-old has talent and he's just the sort of technical, creative midfielder that we've associated with the Canaries in recent years.

Wednesday won't want to let him leave but Norwich should have the cash to prize him away and it could be a deal that pays dividends in future years.

It will be about patience for Norwich, though.

Simmey Hannafin-Donaldson

This is an interesting one.

I do think that perhaps remaining at Sheffield Wednesday would be the best move for now though.

The 21-year-old had just begun establishing himself as a regular for the Owls in the middle of last season before picking up an unfortunate injury in February.

After his return, he was in and out of the side and I just feel he would benefit from another season at Wednesday trying to establish himself as a regular starter.

Whilst the potential is there for him to eventually step up to the Championship, another year in League One to play regularly and develop could be the best route.

However, a move to Norwich would represent a change of environment and if the player were happy to be patient for first-team opportunities and develop more on the training ground than on the pitch, the Canaries could be a gateway to eventual Premier League football for the youngster.