Wilfred Ndidi Set to Sign with Besiktas After Leicester City Departure

Wilfred Ndidi is heading to Istanbul to join Besiktas, ending his long stay with Leicester City.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Besiktas are close to signing Ndidi from Leicester City. They paid a €9.5 million release fee after Leicester got relegated. Ndidi, Leicester’s longest-serving player after Jamie Vardy left, is set to sign a three-year deal with an option for a fourth. A report confirmed that Ndidi has agreed on personal terms and is on his way to Istanbul for medical tests and to finalize personal terms. Valencia and Real Betis tried to interfere, but Besiktas acted quickly, matching Leicester’s asking price and agreeing on personal terms with Ndidi early.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

Ndidi leaves Leicester after seven and a half seasons, becoming the top Nigerian tackler in Premier League history with 779 tackles. Last season, he played 28 matches, scored three goals, and made five assists in all competitions.Reports indicate that Leicester ended the season 18th in the Premier League and were relegated, prompting several player departures, including Ndidi’s. For Besiktas, adding the 28-year-old midfielder is part of a major summer overhaul, having finished 4th in the Turkish Super Lig, ten points behind 3rd-place Sivasspor, missing out on a Champions League spot. Ndidi will join other big signings such as Tammy Abraham, as Besiktas aim to close the gap at the top.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Ndidi is expected to finalize his contract and medical examinations in the coming days. Besiktas will kick off the new Super Lig season this weekend at home against Antalyaspor, who finished 10th last season. The team is counting on their new signings to help them pose a more formidable threat to top teams like Galatasaray and Fenerbahce, who finished 1st and 2nd last season, respectively. Meanwhile, Leicester will begin their Championship campaign as they aim for promotion, facing rivals like Southampton and Norwich City. Ndidi’s debut will be closely watched by Besiktas fans, hoping he adds strength and quality to the team’s midfield.