Turkish Super League club Besiktas has set an asking price of €10 million for Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi as Saudi Arabian clubs intensify their pursuit of the Nigerian midfielder. The 28-year-old joined Besiktas last summer for €8 million from Leicester City following the Foxes' relegation from the Premier League and has since become a key figure in midfield.
Besiktas Demands €10 Million for Ndidi
According to Turkish sports outlet NTV Spor, Saudi Pro League sides Al-Ittihad and Al Diriyah are among the clubs monitoring Ndidi's situation. Besiktas, having paid €8 million to bring him to Istanbul, is now looking to make a modest profit on their investment. The club's management has reportedly set a €10 million threshold for any potential transfer, indicating they are prepared to part ways if that valuation is met.
Besiktas sporting director Onder Ozen acknowledged the interest from Saudi Arabia but stressed that no formal proposal has been received. "There is interest coming from Saudi Arabia, but we have not received any written offer for Wilfried Ndidi," Ozen told Foot Africa. This statement suggests that while the club is open to negotiations, any move remains in its early stages.
Ndidi's Impact at Besiktas
During his debut season in Turkey, Ndidi quickly established himself as a vital part of Besiktas' squad. His defensive awareness and ball-winning ability helped the team secure a spot in the UEFA Europa League, a significant achievement for the club. Despite this positive impact, Besiktas appears pragmatic about the transfer market, willing to cash in on the Nigerian international if a suitable offer arrives.
The interest from Saudi Arabia is not unexpected, given the growing trend of top talents moving to the Middle East. Ndidi, who has captained the Super Eagles, fits the profile of experienced players sought by Saudi clubs aiming to raise the league's profile.
Transfer Speculation Intensifies
As the new season approaches, the transfer window remains a time of uncertainty. Besiktas' stance indicates they are prepared to sell, but only at the right price. Whether Al-Ittihad or Al Diriyah will meet the €10 million asking price remains to be seen. Meanwhile, Ndidi's representatives are likely monitoring the situation closely, with the player focusing on pre-season preparations.
In other news, Ndidi recently clarified remarks made by former Leicester City teammate Jamie Vardy about a so-called "juju cream." During a podcast, Vardy claimed that Ndidi and fellow Nigerian Kelechi Iheanacho used a special cream to recover from injuries in just days. Ndidi confirmed that the substance is actually shea butter, a traditional African moisturizer with no mystical properties. "It's just shea butter, something we grew up using. Nothing magical about it," Ndidi said, putting the lighthearted allegation to rest.
What's Next for the Super Eagles Captain?
With Besiktas setting a clear price and Saudi clubs circling, the coming weeks could be decisive for Ndidi's future. A transfer would not only provide a financial boost to the Turkish club but also offer the Nigerian star a new challenge in a rapidly growing league. For now, all eyes remain on any official offers that might materialize.
