Al-Ittihad and Besiktas to begin transfer talks for Super Eagles star

Wilfred Ndidi could be heading for the exit at Beşiktaş after only one season in Turkey, with Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad interested in signing the Nigeria midfielder, Soccernet.ng reports.

Turkish newspaper Fotomaç claims that Ndidi is likely to leave Beşiktaş if the interest from Al-Ittihad becomes an official transfer. The report also says the Beşiktaş coaching staff are not satisfied with the 29-year-old's performances so far.

The development comes just a year after Beşiktaş paid Leicester City €8m to sign Ndidi. The Turkish club announced a three-year contract with an option for a fourth season in August 2025.

Besiktas captain Ndidi to leave?

Ndidi arrived in Istanbul with a strong reputation after eight years in English football with Leicester. He had also become an important player for Nigeria and was expected to bring defensive strength and experience to Beşiktaş's midfield.

The club initially placed considerable trust in the Super Eagles captain, who once stunned Jamie Vardy with his juju cream. Beşiktaş later appointed Ndidi and Orkun Kökçü as the team's new captains, showing the importance attached to the Nigerian midfielder.

His first season, however, did not produce the level of influence the club wanted. Ndidi played 25 Süper Lig matches in the 2025-26 campaign, starting 23 of them, and scored twice without registering an assist. He played about 2,000 league minutes and collected five yellow cards. One of his goals came in Beşiktaş's 4-0 home win over Göztepe on 22 February 2026, when Ndidi scored in the ninth minute.

The midfielder has also had fitness problems during the build-up to the new season. In July, Beşiktaş said an MRI scan at Acıbadem Altunizade Hospital found a ligament injury in his ankle. The club said he would undergo rehabilitation with its medical team. Ndidi has since made one appearance in the 2026-27 campaign, playing 14 minutes according to current player records.

The possible transfer is not entirely new. Saudi interest had already been reported in June, with Al-Ittihad and Al-Diriyah linked with the former Leicester midfielder. Beşiktaş sporting director Önder Özen previously said the club had received interest from Saudi Arabia but had not received an official written offer at that stage. Reports have since put different figures on a possible Al-Ittihad proposal, including €10.5m and €12.5m.

Al-Ittihad's interest also fits a need in their midfield after the departure of Brazilian midfielder Fabinho. Ndidi's defensive ability and experience in the Premier League and European competitions make him an attractive option for the Saudi club.

Ndidi still has a contract with Beşiktaş and has only completed the first of a three-year deal that also has an option for a fourth season.

A departure would therefore bring a surprisingly quick end to Ndidi's time in Istanbul. Beşiktaş signed him to strengthen its midfield, made him one of its captains and expected his experience to help in domestic and European competition. Now, only 12 months later, the club could be preparing to sell him to Saudi Arabia as it reshapes its squad.