Despite Leicester City’s title victory in the EFL Championship this season, earning promotion back to the English Premier League at the first time of asking, reports are suggesting that Super Eagles star Wilfred Ndidi is still likely to leave the club in the summer.
Ndidi’s contract is due to expire in the coming months, bringing an end to a seven-and-a-half-year spell at the Foxes after arriving at the King Power Stadium in January 2017.
A large reason for the club’s decision not to extend the midfielder’s contract is due to their current financial issues off the pitch, which have put the club in a position where they are unable to sign new players or renew the contract of their existing squad.
In this article, we take a look at some of the clubs that have been linked to Ndidi ahead of a move for the midfielder in the summer:
Check out the most markets in Nigeria for all the big matches at Bet9ja
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace have been phenomenal since the arrival of new boss Oliver Glasner, picking up six wins and three draws from his first 12 competitive matches in charge.
Palace have switched to a back three since the manager’s arrival, and with incredibly positive results while using this system, including beating Liverpool 1-0 and battering Manchester United 4-0, it is unlikely to change ahead of the new season.
With the end of the campaign just around the corner, Glasner will have been identifying transfer targets for the upcoming window, and reports have stated that Ndidi is high up on that list.
The Nigerian could slot in alongside Adam Wharton in the middle of the park, where he has predominantly played for Leicester City this season, while he is more than capable of playing in the back three, providing much-needed depth to the Crystal Palace side.
Everton
Everton’s financial issues this season has them in a position where free-agent signings may be all they can afford to do this summer, making Ndidi the perfect choice for the Toffees.
Midfielder Amadou Onana has been heavily linked with a move away from Goodison Park in the coming window, giving Everton the opportunity to take the profits from Onana’s sale while replacing him with Ndidi for free.
Idrissa Gueye’s contract is also expiring in the coming weeks, and while Everton do have the option of extending his time at the club for another year, Ndidi could be a brilliant like-for-like swap in the midfield.
Recent reports have suggested that Sean Dyche’s side have already tabled an offer to the Nigerian, but with plenty of potential suitors, there may be a battle for his signature.
Newcastle United
The most recent club to have reportedly joined the race to capture Ndidi’s signature is high-flying Newcastle United.
Eddie Howe has had to deal with plenty of injuries this season, and with big money signing Sandro Tonali also having been banned for the majority of the campaign, the manager may be looking at extending his depth in the midfield.
The Magpies are clearly looking for options within the free agent market with players such as Tosin Adarabioyo and Lloyd Kelly also being heavily linked with moves to St James’ Park, and Ndidi is another who has joined that list.
The Nigerian is likely wanting a move to a club higher up in the Premier League and with Newcastle United currently sixth in the table, this may be the perfect match for club and player.
Who do you think Ndidi will sign for in the summer? Comment below!
