Wilfred Ndidi’s storied journey with Leicester City may have come to a close last summer, but the Nigerian international is already being tipped for a high-profile return to English football's apex. The player is reportedly 'anxious' to return to the England just six months after his departure. Sadly for Foxes fans, he won't be rejoining them. Reports suggest that Manchester United have held talks to sign the 29-year-old from Turkish outfit Beşiktaş. What's the absolute latest on the afternoon of Thursday, January 22?
The Leicester City legacy
Ndidi arrived at the King Power Stadium in January 2017 from Belgian side Genk for £17million. His task, monumental: simply replace the best defensive midfielder of the 21st century, N'Golo Kante. Yet over approximately eight-and-a-half seasons, he did as well as any interceptor could have done in his shoes. Eventually becoming a fan favourite. His trophy haul includes the FA Cup, the Community Shield and the EFL Championship title.
Known for his "colossal" tackling and interceptions, Ndidi was regularly atop the top flights defensive charts in his early City career. But a fall off did certainly occur there. Though could Michael Carrick's United benefit from this midfield disruption Ndidi would undoubtedly cause in M16?
Life After LE2
Following Leicester’s exit from the top flight in 2025, Ndidi joined the giants from Turkey in a deal running until 2027. While he has adapted well in Istanbul, even captaining the side recently - his desire for an EPL comeback is widely reported.
Ater a strong showing at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where he led Nigeria to a bronze medal and received rave reviews, his stock has ascended once more. Carrick seeks midfield reinforcements at Old Trafford, and Ndidi’s experience genuinely stands out.
The CM is being labelled a 'primary target for a potential January loan or permanent move'. Express state that the former Fox has been "offered" to the Red Devils.
Reliable, tier 2-rated journalist Ben Jacobs has now exclusively spoken to fan outlet The United Stand on the matter
Jacobs claims that the Black Eagles are contemplating a sale. A 'loan with an option' or a 'conditional obligation' would perhaps be on the table at roughly €12m-15m.
The massive northern club do have many options in Ndidi’s role. Ndidi is said to be 'well compensated' at his new home: overly generous wages may be a deterrent in Carrick's recruitment drive, yet alternative option Ruben Neves is an apparent no go.