Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi is set to undergo a medical on Thursday (today) ahead of his €9.5 million move to Turkish giants Besiktas, bringing an end to weeks of transfer speculation.
Besiktas and Leicester City reached a full agreement earlier this week for the 28-year-old, who is now poised to sign a three-year deal with an option for a fourth. The transfer fee is expected to be paid in full, after Besiktas initially struggled to meet Leicester’s valuation with a lower €7 million bid structured over instalments.
Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg confirmed on Wednesday that the medical has been scheduled and that both clubs have settled all major terms.
“Leicester are set to receive €9.5m. A mutual agreement between the 28 y/o defensive midfielder and the club has been reached. Contracts are now being checked. Medical is scheduled for Thursday,” Plettenberg reported.
Ndidi, whose contract with Leicester expires next summer, had also attracted interest from Everton, Valencia, and Real Betis. However, he opted for a new challenge in Istanbul under the management of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who took over the reins at Besiktas in January 2025.
The Nigerian international has been a central figure for Leicester City since his arrival in 2017, amassing over 240 appearances and building a reputation as one of the Premier League’s top ball-winning midfielders. Following Leicester’s relegation in 2023, Ndidi decided against renewing his deal with the Foxes.
Last season, he featured in 30 matches across all competitions, contributing one goal and five assists—a strong showing that reignited interest across Europe.
For Besiktas, the signing is seen as a major statement of intent as the club looks to rebuild after a disappointing campaign that saw them finish fourth in the Turkish Super Lig. Ndidi’s arrival will bring much-needed defensive solidity to the midfield, bolstering a side that has struggled for consistency.
Meanwhile, pressure continues to mount on Solskjaer following Besiktas’ 4-2 loss to Shakhtar Donetsk in the first leg of the Europa League second qualifying round. Turkish media reports suggest the club’s hierarchy is already exploring alternatives should results fail to improve, with Nuri Şahin and former boss Sergen Yalçın reportedly in consideration.
Still, the capture of a high-calibre player like Ndidi could provide Solskjaer with the midfield anchor his system needs—and offer a timely boost to a team in transition.
