Wilfred Ndidi is on the verge of becoming a Besiktas player after the Turkish giants reached an agreement with Leicester City for the Nigerian midfielder, ending an eight-year chapter in England for the 28-year-old.
Earlier reports revealed that Besiktas had a €9.5 million offer accepted by Leicester, and it appears the club has now agreed to personal terms with the Super Eagles star.
According to respected Nigerian journalist Buchi Laba, the Istanbul outfit have tabled a three-year contract with an option of an additional year, which Ndidi has approved.
The final details of the move are now being processed as Besiktas look to officially unveil their new signing before the end of the week.
Ndidi is expected to fly to Istanbul aboard a private jet arranged by the club to complete his medical in the coming days.
Besiktas are aiming to rebuild a squad capable of challenging for the Super Lig title, which they haven’t won since the 2020/21 season, and Ndidi has been identified as a key figure in that process. His wealth of experience, accumulated over 303 appearances for Leicester, will bring steel and composure to the club’s midfield engine room.
Last season, Ndidi featured 30 times for the Foxes, contributing one goal and five assists in all competitions. Since joining the club from Genk in 2017, he has scored 18 goals and provided 22 assists, winning the FA Cup in 2021 and earning a reputation as one of the Premier League’s top ball-winning midfielders.
His move adds to a growing list of Nigerian internationals moving to Turkey this summer. Victor Osimhen joined Galatasaray, Paul Onuachu returned to Trabzonspor, and Henry Onyekuru signed with Genclerbirligi, indicating a strong Nigerian presence in the Turkish top flight.
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Wilfred Ndidi: Manchester United dreams fade
Ndidi’s decision to join Besiktas has inevitably brought an end to speculation linking him with a dream move to Manchester United, a transfer he was reportedly eager to see happen.
Manchester United were said to be closely monitoring the midfielder, with a £9 million release clause in his contract—triggered by Leicester’s relegation—making him a low-cost and high-value option in a summer where the club is aiming to refresh its midfield under new manager Ruben Amorim.
Former Super Eagles striker Julius Aghahowa was among those who strongly backed the idea of Ndidi making the switch to Old Trafford.
“If the interest of Everton and Al Ahly is obvious, Ndidi hopes to join Manchester United. He wants to take a step forward by signing for a big club like Manchester United,” Aghahowa said in an interview with Africafoot.
“It would be an excellent thing for the man I consider to be one of the best African midfielders in recent years. He is powerful, able to press, recover balls and aerate the game through his long diagonals.”
Aghahowa also pointed out that Ndidi’s Premier League experience and defensive discipline make him a smart investment for any top club in need of midfield reinforcements.
“Wilfred is the player the Red Devils need in midfield. He is surprisingly generous and able to repeat efforts and cover a lot of space. He would be a considerable contribution to the Mancunian club if the transfer were to materialise,” he added.
Reports had also linked Everton and Al Ahly with the Nigerian international, but Manchester United’s interest appeared the strongest, at least from Ndidi’s side. However, United never formally activated the release clause or submitted a concrete bid.
Ndidi, who remains a regular in Nigeria’s national team, had been seen as a natural fit to anchor United’s midfield in the new era, especially with potential exits looming for several of the club’s existing central midfielders.
The failure to secure a Premier League return now means Ndidi will take his talents to Vodafone Park, where he is expected to bring both leadership and intensity to Besiktas’ ambitions.
With a switch to the Turkish Super Lig imminent, Ndidi’s Premier League story appears closed, at least for now. But should he shine in Istanbul, the dream of a move to one of Europe’s biggest clubs may yet be rekindled.
