Leicester City midfielder wanted by Barcelona – an unlikely transfer

Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi is the fanciful subject of interest from Barcelona. These few reasons are why the transfer is highly unlikely to materialise.

Before even entertaining this topic, it is worth noting the Nigerian international is yet to sign a new deal with the Foxes, making any possible move for the player astute business from many top sides looking for a proven defensive midfielder. However, this does not mean a deal will not come by the end of the campaign, with Premier League football likely a requirement for the player to consider remaining with Leicester.

Leicester City’s star’s Barcelona move unlikely

The only two reasons I could see this transfer materialising would be the financial context within which ‘Barca’ are having to operate within, and the Foxes midfielder will be a free transfer if the player does not agree a new deal. Otherwise, I frankly see few advantages in the deal for either the player or possible future club.

Firstly, the Nigerian international defensive midfielder is, well, a defensive midfielder. Stylistically, Xavi does not set his Barcelona side out in a particularly defensive system: they look to have the ball and progress the ball. This is not the strong suit of Ndidi. Although Enzo Maresca is attempting to mould the player into a more attack-minded box-to-box role, this reformation is incomplete and will take more than the rest of this campaign to finalise. He would not suit Xavi’s system.

Second, for Ndidi, the move would mean less football. I feel the strong-willed midfielder has shown a positive attitude at all times. The player would not merely accept being second fiddle, and has adapted his game as much as possible to fit into the Italian head coach’s team, although not 100% suited. Therefore, having to go through this all again – although not a mentality problem – would again result in less game-time than expected while adjusting to the style. Not something a star should have to worry about.

Furthermore, there are plenty of Premier League clubs who have previously expressed interest in the defensive midfielder, and they will likely be the ones snooping most intensely when the time eventually comes. Think of Aston Villa where they already have his former teammate Youri Tielemans or West Ham United who could do with more depth in midfield. Even then, if Leicester City could recapture their spot in the top tier, what need would there be for the player to move: he is the first team starter and unless suspended, injured, or not playing well, Ndidi will be in the starting XI.