Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi is on the verge of completing a move to Turkish giants Besiktas, as the transfer nears its final paperwork stage, according to Reports.
The 28-year-old Nigerian is expected to arrive in Istanbul shortly for his medical ahead of signing a three-year contract, which includes an option for a fourth year.
Besiktas have reportedly reached an agreement with Leicester City to sign Ndidi for €9.5 million. The move brings an end to the midfielder’s eight-year spell with the Foxes, during which he made over 240 appearances and played a pivotal role in their 2021 FA Cup triumph.
Ndidi’s departure had been widely anticipated following Leicester’s relegation from the Premier League. Although several clubs — including Manchester United, Everton, Borussia Dortmund, Real Betis, and Juventus — were linked with the combative midfielder, Besiktas emerged as frontrunners.
At one point, José Mourinho’s Fenerbahce were also interested, but Besiktas remained persistent. A late attempt by Valencia to hijack the deal was swiftly rejected by Leicester, as reported by journalist Ben Jacobs.
Ndidi had already agreed personal terms with the Turkish club and was keen to return to top-flight European football after Leicester’s drop to the Championship. A key factor in his decision was the opportunity to work under former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who took charge at Besiktas earlier this year.
The Nigerian international is scheduled to undergo a medical on Thursday, with an official announcement expected soon after.
Ndidi joined Leicester from Belgian club Genk in January 2017 and went on to establish himself as one of the Premier League’s top defensive midfielders during his time in England.
