Wilfred Ndidi’s long-anticipated exit from Leicester City is nearing completion, as Turkish powerhouse Besiktas confirmed on Wednesday that formal negotiations are underway for the midfielder’s permanent transfer.
In a late-night update posted on their official channels, Besiktas revealed they have entered talks with both Leicester City and Ndidi.
The statement, filed with the Public Disclosure Platform (KAP), read:
“Negotiations have begun with the player and his club, Leicester City Football Club Limited, regarding the transfer of professional football player Wilfred Onyinye Ndidi.”
The 28-year-old Nigeria international has since touched down in Turkey and was welcomed by senior Besiktas officials.
In a video shared by the club, Wilfred Ndidi could be seen aboard a flight to Istanbul, and photos have already emerged of him in Besiktas gear, signalling a deal is close to conclusion.
— Beşiktaş JK (@Besiktas) August 6, 2025
In another post on their social media accounts, Besiktas also informed:
“The professional footballer Wilfred Ndidi, with whom we have started transfer negotiations, has arrived in Istanbul to continue the talks and undergo a medical examination.”
Transfer görüşmesine başladığımız profesyonel futbolcu Wilfred Ndidi, görüşmeleri sürdürmek ve sağlık kontrolünden geçmek üzere İstanbul’a geldi. pic.twitter.com/giboBuEd2Y
— Beşiktaş JK (@Besiktas) August 7, 2025
Ndidi is expected to undergo a medical on Thursday, with Besiktas ready to pay around €9.5 million to Leicester for the former Genk midfielder. He has already agreed personal terms and is set to sign a three-year contract.
Besiktas have long pursued Ndidi and moved swiftly once their offer was accepted, brushing aside a late bid from La Liga outfit Valencia. The Spanish side’s proposal was ultimately rebuffed, with Leicester opting to honour the agreement with the Turkish club.
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With the move, Ndidi, who arrived in January 2017, ends his eight-year spell at Leicester City.
During his time with the Foxes, he became one of the Premier League’s most consistent defensive midfielders, registering 303 appearances, 18 goals, and 22 assists. Last season in the Championship, he featured in 30 matches, scoring once and assisting five times.
Having made clear he did not wish to remain in England’s second tier following Leicester’s relegation, the Nigerian is now set to join an ever-expanding group of Super Eagles stars plying their trade in Turkey.
Recent weeks have seen Victor Osimhen link up with Galatasaray, Paul Onuachu join Trabzonspor, and Henry Onyekuru sign for Genclerbirligi.
Besiktas view Ndidi as a pivotal addition in their push to reclaim the Turkish Super Lig title, last won in 2021, and are optimistic the deal will be finalised without hitches.
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele turns into a ball of passion when writing about Nigerian football and its talents, whether rising stars or established legends, locally and abroad.
From the deepest corners of the Middle East, to the green fields of the Americas, to the celebrated grounds in Europe, and the rich soils of Africa, Imhons is more than glad, usually with a glass of a tasty drink nearby, to capture the essence of the game, by connecting the dots between culture, identity, and football.