Wilfred Ndidi: Real Betis slow down Nigeria and Leicester City star’s move to Besiktas

Wilfred Ndidi has spent eight eventful years in England but, with Spanish and Turkish clubs beckoning, he has a tricky decision to make regarding his next destination

Nigeria international Wilfred Ndidi’s highly anticipated move to Besiktas has hit an unexpected snag as Spanish side Real Betis make a late push to hijack the deal for the Leicester City midfielder.

The Super Eagles star had been linked to Manchester and Juventus among other clubs before Besiktas jumped to the top of the queue.

Besiktas had seemingly wrapped up a deal for the Nigerian international, with reports confirming that a €9.5 million offer had been accepted by Leicester and personal terms agreed upon. Ndidi was expected to travel to Istanbul this week to undergo a medical and sign a three-year contract, with an option for a fourth.

However, Real Betis have emerged with late interest, and their involvement has thrown a spanner in the works, according to Spanish outlet AS.

The La Liga side are in search of a new holding midfielder following the departure of Johnny Cardoso and have identified Ndidi as a prime candidate. Their interest, however, is complicated by Leicester’s valuation of the 28-year-old at around €10 million, a figure Betis are reluctant to match.

Despite that, Betis’ interest is serious enough to have delayed proceedings. Ndidi, intrigued by the opportunity to play in Spain, has asked for additional time to consider his options.

The agreement between Wilfred Ndidi and Besiktas on personal terms is almost done.

Besiktas are waiting for Ndidi to clarify exit details with Leicester City in order to get the deal done. pic.twitter.com/JfWSLRuwPO

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 5, 2025

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While he remains open to joining Besiktas, the lure of La Liga and working under Manuel Pellegrini offers a fresh challenge that the Nigerian midfielder is not taking lightly.

Within the Besiktas camp, there is still optimism that the move will be completed soon. Club officials remain confident that Ndidi will join before the week runs out, with a medical and official unveiling already being planned. The club sees Ndidi as a pivotal addition to their squad rebuild, as they aim to return to Super Lig title contention for the first time since the 2020/21 season.

Ndidi has spent eight seasons in England, amassing 303 appearances for Leicester since joining from Genk in 2017.

Known for his exceptional ball recovery and physical presence, he played 30 games last season, contributing one goal and five assists as the Foxes earned promotion back to the Premier League.

Leicester are open to a sale but are holding firm on their valuation, aware of Ndidi’s market worth, which is estimated at €15 million. At 28, he still has several years at the top level, and Betis’ indecision may ultimately hand Besiktas the advantage.

Wilfred Ndidi is close to agreeing personal terms with Besiktas and is expected to finalise his move once all formalities are concluded.