Ndidi transfer interest grows as Besiktas consider selling the Nigeria captain amid renewed talks with Manchester United
Turkish giants Besiktas are considering the sale of Nigeria captain Wilfred Ndidi just six months after his arrival at the club, amid renewed Ndidi transfer interest from Manchester United.
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Ndidi joined Besiktas last summer on a three-year contract for a reported fee of €9.5 million and was quickly named vice-captain, underlining his influence within the squad.
However, sources close to the situation said the Istanbul club are now open to a potential deal as English interest resurfaces.
Manchester United have revived their pursuit of the former Leicester City midfielder after monitoring his availability during the summer of 2025, when a relegation clause briefly made him accessible following Leicester’s drop from the Premier League.
No agreement was reached at the time, but United’s need for midfield depth has since intensified due to concerns over rotation, durability, and experience.
Senior football journalist Ben Jacobs told fan outlet The United Stand that Besiktas could accept a structured deal, potentially a loan with an option to buy or a conditional obligation.
According to Jacobs, any agreement would likely be valued between €12 million and €15 million.
He added that Ndidi’s current wages in Turkey could complicate United’s recruitment strategy, especially as alternative targets such as Rúben Neves are now considered unattainable.
Further reports suggested that discussions have already taken place. Man United News cited journalist Alan Myers, who said the player is open to a return to England.
“My contacts in Turkey tell me Manchester United have held talks about Wilfred Ndidi,” Myers wrote. “The player is anxious to return to England.”
Ndidi’s appeal lies in his leadership, positional discipline, and defensive intelligence, attributes he displayed consistently during his six-year spell at Leicester City.
He built a reputation as one of the Premier League’s most dependable ball-winning midfielders, offering control and balance rather than flair.
His familiarity with English football has made him a compelling option for a United side that often leans heavily on younger players.
Internal discussions at Old Trafford have also included names such as Ruben Loftus-Cheek, but Ndidi’s experience and authority continue to keep him firmly in contention.
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The 29-year-old recently captained Nigeria to a third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, reinforcing his status as a proven leader at the highest level.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
