Wilfred Ndidi could be set for another major move in his career, with reports indicating that the Super Eagles midfielder is likely to leave Besiktas this summer after spending just one season in Turkey.
The Nigerian international arrived in Istanbul last summer following an €8 million transfer from Leicester City and was expected to become one of the pillars of Besiktas’ bid to challenge for the Turkish Super Lig title.
While Ndidi largely delivered on an individual level with a series of consistent performances in midfield, the season ultimately proved disappointing for the club.
Besiktas finished fourth in the league standings, ending the campaign 17 points behind champions Galatasaray and falling short of expectations. The underwhelming season triggered significant changes behind the scenes, including the departure of head coach Sergen Yalçın and the appointment of former Bologna manager Vincenzo Italiano.
Those managerial changes have only intensified speculation surrounding Ndidi’s future.
Reports in Turkey suggest the Nigerian midfielder is not considered a key part of Italiano’s plans as Besiktas prepare for a squad rebuild ahead of the new campaign. The club are believed to be targeting a new defensive midfielder and could be willing to sanction Ndidi’s departure if a suitable offer arrives.
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According to Turkish outlet Ajanshaber, an exit is increasingly viewed as the most likely outcome, with clubs from the Saudi Pro League emerging as the strongest contenders for his signature.
Although Ndidi still has two years remaining on his current contract, there has been little concrete interest from Europe’s major leagues, creating a situation where a move to the Middle East could become the most realistic option.
The 29-year-old has frequently been linked with high-profile clubs throughout his career, and Manchester United were among the teams previously credited with interest. However, the Premier League giants appear to have moved in a different direction in the transfer market, reducing the likelihood of a return to England’s top clubs.
As Ndidi approaches his 30th birthday in December, financial considerations could naturally become a significant factor in his next career decision.
The Saudi Pro League has emerged as one of the world’s biggest spenders in recent transfer windows, attracting established international stars with lucrative contracts and ambitious sporting projects. For a player entering the latter stages of his career, the opportunity to secure a long-term financial package could prove difficult to ignore.
From Besiktas’ perspective, a profitable sale would help facilitate further squad restructuring under Italiano, while also creating room for new arrivals in midfield.
Despite the growing speculation, no formal agreement has been reached and the transfer window remains open for several more weeks.
That leaves Ndidi with time to assess his options carefully as he considers the next chapter of a career that has taken him from Belgium to England, Turkey and potentially now the Middle East.
