Leicester City successfully fended off interest in Wilfred Ndidi during the January transfer window, but fresh reports suggest a summer battle for the Super Eagles star could be on the horizon.
Since arriving from Genk as a 20-year-old in 2017, Ndidi has been a mainstay in Leicester’s midfield, seamlessly filling the void left by N’Golo Kanté and establishing himself as one of Europe’s premier defensive midfielders.
Twice crowned the top tackler in Europe’s top five leagues by football data analysts WhoScored, the 28-year-old has played a key role in Leicester’s recent success, lifting the FA Cup, Community Shield, and last season’s EFL Championship title, while also helping the Foxes to back-to-back fifth-place finishes in the English Premier League.
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An influential figure in the Leicester squad, his coach Ruud van Nistelrooy lauded his characteristics earlier this month:
“It starts with his personality, which is excellent. Then it is his leadership and his playing capabilities. He has an enormous reach on the pitch, on and off the ball. The complete package of him as a character and a player has lifted the team.”
Yet, despite the fanfare from his manager, reports suggest Ndidi is unsettled at Leicester. With the club facing a relegation battle and financial concerns under PSR regulations, a summer departure could suit both parties.
We take a look at the clubs eyeing a move for the man they call Groundnut Boy.
Monaco
Monaco tested Leicester’s resolve with an £18 million bid in January, plus an additional £2 million in add-ons, but the Foxes held firm, opting to keep Ndidi despite their financial struggles.
Les Monégasques remain admirers of the Nigerian international, viewing him as the experienced midfield presence they need to bolster their squad.
With their interest far from fading, they are expected to return with a fresh approach in the summer.
Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid remain firmly in the race for Ndidi, with Caught Offside reporting they will revive their pursuit once the transfer window reopens.
The Spanish giants have been in the market for a defensive midfielder since last summer but have yet to fill the void. With club captain Koke edging towards the latter stages of his career and Thomas Lemar set to depart in the summer, securing a midfield anchor has become a top priority.
Atleti’s recruitment team has been scouting several options, including Mallorca’s Samu Costa, but Ndidi is now firmly on their radar as they look to reinforce their squad ahead of the 2025-26 season.
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Real Betis
Real Betis have also joined the growing list of suitors for Ndidi, as they prepare for an anticipated midfield reshuffle.
Los Verdiblancos are bracing for the likely departure of Johnny Cardoso, with Tottenham Hotspur reportedly set to snap up the US international this summer. That leaves a gap in their midfield – one that Ndidi could be the ideal candidate to fill.
With multiple European clubs circling and Leicester facing an uncertain future, Ndidi’s summer departure seems increasingly likely, setting the stage for a transfer tussle that could define the next chapter of his career.
You can bet on the next time Ndidi is in action for Leicester on Friday right here at Bet9ja!
