Nigeria’s 27-year-old midfield sensation, Wilfred Ndidi, has a big decision to make this summer. The defensive midfielder has been with Leicester City since joining from Belgium side Genk in 2017. His current six-year deal expires this summer and there is genuine uncertainty surrounding his future. Much of that uncertainty is being caused by the growing pressure around Leicester’s bid for an immediate return to the Premier League.
The Foxes’ automatic promotion chances have diminished slightly in recent weeks, following their late defeat at Leeds and the continued good form of Ipswich. The race for the top two looks like it could now go down to the wire. With Leeds scheduled to face Southampton on the final day of the season, the wagering on football live betting markets online is sure to go through the roof as we approach the Championship’s season finale.
Is staying at Leicester still an option?
If Enzo Maresca and Leicester are successful in holding off the likes of Ipswich and Southampton, there is a possibility that the Foxes could offer Ndidi a new contract to stay at the King Power Stadium. Before the January transfer window, there was rumours of interest in Ndidi from some of Europe’s most decorated clubs, with Barcelona said to be mulling over snapping him up on a free transfer this summer. The Catalan giants have had to cut their cloth accordingly in recent seasons due to Financial Fair Play (FFP) issues, so Ndidi would represent a value pick-up.
Ndidi has been something of a bit-part player for Maresca and Leicester so far in 2023/24. His presence in the first half of the campaign was much-needed, with Maresca giving him greater licence to drive into the opposition’s half as a true box-to-box midfielder. He scored two goals and assisted five times in 21 appearances. Unfortunately for him – and Leicester – Ndidi suffered a muscle injury in the New Year which was initially feared to be serious. After going under the knife, Ndidi’s recovery has gone much quicker than expected, with the Foxes hoping to have him back in March instead of mid-April.
Whether his injury issues will be enough to deter clubs from making an approach for him this summer remains to be seen. Nevertheless, the only way Maresca will be able to tempt Ndidi to stick around in the East Midlands for another few years is if the Foxes can regain their Premier League status.
The most likely destinations for Wilfred Ndidi this summer
Ndidi is not without his Premier League suitors if reports are to be believed. TEAMtalk said the likes of Tottenham, Newcastle and Aston Villa were all showing strong interest in Ndidi ahead of the January transfer window, prior to his injury. He is a proven Premier League campaigner and it’s a measure of his status that teams chasing European qualification are keen on him.
It’s still very plausible that Barcelona will also return to the negotiating table with Ndidi as the end of the 2023/24 season approaches. Barça are still searching for a long-term replacement for the now-departed Sergio Busquets. La Liga rivals Atletico Madrid are also reported to have shown an interest in securing his signature this summer.
Looking at Ndidi’s underlying data for the 2023/24 Championship season far, it’s easy to see why recruitment departments have the Lagos-born midfielder on their radars. He’s won almost three-quarters (70%) of tackles attempted but, crucially, it’s his ability to win possession in the final third of the pitch which has really caught the eye. He’s better than 87.5% of the players in the Championship at this metric, indicating his potential as part of a team employing a high-energy ‘Gegen press’ style of football.
Whatever happens, it seems likely that Ndidi will seek pastures new after seven years with the Foxes. With a wealth of European clubs to pick from, a fresh challenge seems like the best option for the Super Eagles midfielder. Helping Leicester back into the Premier League big time could be the perfect ‘goodbye’ after being part of City’s 2021 FA Cup-winning side.
