JUST IN: Ndidi nears Besiktas switch after seven years at Leicester

DDM News

(DDM) — Nigerian midfielder Wilfred Ndidi is on the verge of completing a move to Turkish club Besiktas after spending over seven years at Leicester City.

DDM gathered that the 28-year-old Super Eagles star is finalising a transfer deal with Besiktas, who have reportedly triggered his €9 million release clause.

The clause became active following Leicester City’s relegation from the English Premier League to the Championship.

Sources close to the negotiations say talks between both clubs are at an advanced stage, with only minor contractual details left to finalise.

Ndidi is expected to undergo a medical in Istanbul before signing a three-year deal, with an option for a fourth season.

This move will mark Ndidi’s first professional experience outside English football since joining Leicester from Belgian club Genk in January 2017.

Since arriving in England, Ndidi has made over 303 appearances for the Foxes, playing a key role in the club’s 2021 FA Cup and Community Shield triumphs.

Known for his remarkable defensive prowess, Ndidi holds the record for the most tackles by any Nigerian in Premier League history.

He has made 779 tackles, putting him well ahead of former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel, who made 539 during his time at Chelsea.

DDM reports that the Turkish side, under the leadership of new manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, is undergoing a squad overhaul after an early UEFA Europa League exit.

Solskjaer is said to have personally requested the signing of Ndidi to bolster the midfield with experience and grit.

While Serie A giants Juventus and Turkish rivals Fenerbahce had shown interest in the Nigerian, Besiktas emerged as the frontrunner due to quicker negotiations and Solskjaer’s persistence.

Ndidi remains a regular in Nigeria’s national team setup and is widely respected for his consistency and leadership on and off the pitch.

His expected arrival at Besiktas is being met with excitement by fans, who see him as a key addition to the club’s domestic and European ambitions.

Besiktas hopes that Ndidi’s Premier League experience will help drive their midfield as they chase silverware this season.

With a medical scheduled and personal terms nearly agreed, the Turkish giants are confident of unveiling Ndidi before the start of the new Super Lig campaign.

Supporters of both Besiktas and the Super Eagles are eagerly awaiting the official announcement of the deal, which will see one of Nigeria’s most successful midfielders embark on a new chapter in his career.

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