Nigeria international Wilfred Ndidi is on the radar of Manchester United ahead of a potential winter transfer this week, Soccernet.ng reports.
However, new reports have emerged that Ndidi became a subject of note for the Old Trafford giants through the recommendation of Manchester United great Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
According to TEAMtalk, United have taken advice from Solskjaer and made initial enquiries about Ndidi’s situation as they continue to plan for the January transfer window.
The 29-year-old defensive midfielder, who now plays for Turkish giants Besiktas, is understood to be on a list of options being considered as the club looks to strengthen its midfield.
It is believed Manchester United were alerted to Ndidi’s availability during recent discussions with Solskjaer, who held talks with the club about a possible return as interim manager following Ruben Amorim’s departure. Although the board eventually chose Michael Carrick to take charge until the end of the season, Solskjaer used the opportunity to share his views on the squad and areas he felt needed improvement.
During those conversations with United’s director of football, Jason Wilcox, Solskjaer is said to have stressed the need for an extra defensive midfielder and put Ndidi’s name forward as a player worth serious consideration. The Norwegian knows the player well, having worked with him during his short spell in charge at Besiktas, and is understood to be a long-time admirer from Ndidi’s Premier League days.
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Ndidi: Manchester United weigh up options
Ndidi only joined Besiktas in the summer of 2025 but has quickly become an important figure, earning the role of assistant captain just three months into his stay. His experience, leadership and ball-winning qualities have stood out in the Turkish Super Lig and have not gone unnoticed elsewhere.
Manchester United have reportedly made contact to understand the midfielder’s situation, although no formal offer has been submitted at this stage. The former Leicester City player is seen as someone who could add much-needed physicality and defensive cover to a United midfield that has come under scrutiny this season.
Ndidi has more than 50 caps for Nigeria and was one of the Super Eagles’ standout performers at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Reports suggest he would be open to a move to Old Trafford, where he would become only the second Nigerian to play for the club after Odion Ighalo.
There is already a strong Nigerian connection around United. Patrick Dorgu, born to a Nigerian father, only on Sunday scored in the win over Arsenal, while Joshua Zirkzee is also of Nigerian descent. Young forward Chido Obi, now breaking into the first team, remains eligible to represent Nigeria.
Whether United decide to press ahead with their interest in Ndidi remains to be seen, but his name is now firmly in the conversation as they weigh up their January options.
