Ndidi has just one year left on his current contract, and there is a possibility that he could leave this summer
Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi will be free to leave Leicester City at the end of next season if both parties fail to agree on a contract extension, Soccernet reports.
Tying Ndidi down with a contract extension would have been way easier if Leicester City were still in the Premier League. However, they were relegated from the top-flight last season, and with Ndidi’s quality, he may not be open to playing in the Championship.
Also, with just a year left on his deal, the Foxes would have to decide on whether to sell him or let him run his contract if he refuses to extend.
Last season was not Ndidi’s best, but his antecedents would surely speak for him. The Nigeria midfielder already has a strong reputation in England. Before last season’s mishap, the 27-year-old defensive midfielder was one of the best in Europe. Surely a few Premier League clubs would be eyeing him.
Nottingham Forest would be a good option considering the fact that they currently do not have anyone on Ndidi’s level. Danilo held down the DM position after joining midway into the season, but Ndidi could do better than him on his day.
Ndidi is a bully on the pitch, great at tackling, and has more presence on the pitch than Danilo. The Nigerian star had 2.3 tackles per game compared to Danilo’s 1.4.
Ndidi also averaged 1.4 interceptions per game while Danilo had 0.7. Ndidi is even better with ball distribution. Orel Mangala and Cheikhou Kouyate do not even come close.
Ndidi would fit in quite well because compatriot Awoniyi is at the club. However, Nottingham Forest are still trying to find their feet in the top flight, and they could still get relegated.
The better option for Ndidi would be Crystal Palace. They look more stable in the Premier League and they could make do with Ndidi.
Their first-choice defensive midfielder last season was Cheick Doucoure, who had a great campaign. But Ndidi could be a great addition because Luka Milivojevic is leaving Crystal Palace this summer.
Doucoure and Ndidi are similar players, but if Ndidi reaches his highest level, Roy Hodgson could make him the first choice next season.
With the way they ended last season when the likes of Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise hit form which ensured that they lost just two of their last ten games, Crystal Palace could challenge for a European place. A move to Selhurst Park could turn out well in the end.