Ndidi set for medical with Turkish giants Besiktas this week after agreeing three-year deal

SUPER Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi is all set to join Turkish giants Besiktas after his representatives and the club agreed on the details of a three-year contract following Leicester City's acceptance of a €9.5m for the anchorman.

After just a year back in the top flight, Ndidi's current club Leicester City have been relegated to the second tier of English football, leading to the need to sell several of their top players. Last summer, Ndidi signed a new contract with the former English Premier League champions, which included a €9m release clause and now that Leicester have been relegated, all suitors have to do is activate that clause

Ndidi, 28, has racked up over 300 appearances for the Foxes, scoring 18 goals, providing 22 assists and winning the FA Cup and English Championship titles with the club. Manchester United were among the clubs keeping tabs on Ndidi's situation as they look to reinforce their midfield and last month, Everton appeared to have joined the fray too but it appears that Besiktas have got his signature as they are the only ones who put their cash on the table.

Last week, Besiktas who once had Daniel Amokachi and Ike Shorunmu on their books tabled a €7m bid for Ndidi but this was immediately rejected by Leicester, forcing the Turkish club to return with a better offer. Over the last 48 hours, not only has the bid been accepted by Leicester but the player and Besiktas have agreed personal terms, which involve signing a three year deal, with the option of a one-year extension.

Over the coming days, Ndidi is now expected to fly to Istanbul for a medical, with Besiktas hoping to unveil the player before the end of the week. Besiktas are aiming to rebuild a squad capable of challenging for the Super Lig title, which they have not won since the 2020/21 season and Ndidi has been identified as a key figure in that process.

Last season, Ndidi featured 30 times for Leicester, contributing one goal and five assists in all competitions. Since joining the club from Genk in 2017, he has scored 18 goals and provided 22 assists, winning the FA Cup in 2021 and earning a reputation as one of the Premier League’s top ball-winning midfielders.

Ndidi’s decision to join Besiktas has brought an end to speculation linking him with a dream move to Manchester United. Apparently, Man United manager Ruben Amorim had been keen to take Ndidi to Old Trafford but it appears the move never went beyond the realm of speculation.