Besiktas thrilled to land former Leicester midfielder Ndidi as long-term starter

Besiktas have confirmed the signing of former Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, ending his long stint in England. The Turkish club reportedly paid between €8 million and €9.5 million to bring the Nigerian into the fold on a three-year contract with an option for a fourth.

Ndidi, who made 303 appearances for Leicester and played a pivotal role in their FA Cup and Community Shield victories in 2021, said he was excited about the move. “Joining Beşiktaş is really amazing for me,” he said. “It’s my second time in Turkey. I feel really great… I want them (the fans) to enjoy this season… I will try my best… to win more games because more games bring trophies.”

The midfielder completed his medical in Istanbul and was welcomed by Besiktas officials and fans at the airport. The club sees Ndidi as a key piece in their squad rebuild under head coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, where he is expected to operate as a deep-lying midfield presence.

With offers from clubs such as Real Betis, Valencia and Everton reportedly on the table, Ndidi opted for Besiktas, citing the appeal of a “new environment” and the opportunity to compete for trophies.

Editorial

We welcome the decision by Besiktas to bring Wilfred Ndidi into their midfield. A player of his calibre seasoned, disciplined and experienced offers both stability and leadership. Having spent eight years at Leicester City, Ndidi developed into one of the Premier League’s leading defensive midfielders, combining tactical awareness with tenacity. His arrival in Istanbul signals Besiktas’s intention not just to improve, but to compete seriously.

Ndidi’s choice to move highlights the shifting ambitions of Nigerian players, no longer satisfied with comfort zones but seeking competitive challenges in different leagues. He might be leaving familiar surroundings behind, but his hunger to win trophies and prove himself again speaks volumes about his mindset. Besiktas, meanwhile, must now make the most of this investment, both on and off the pitch. It will be up to the club to harness his experience, integrate him smoothly, and build a team around his strengths.

If Besiktas can leverage Ndidi’s leadership and tactical intelligence consistently, this signing could mark a turning point for their season. We believe that with Ndidi anchoring the midfield, Besiktas will add much-needed balance and resilience to their squad and hopefully push for silverware as a result. The club’s ambition has never been clearer.

Did You Know?

1. Wilfred Ndidi began his European career at Belgian side Genk, before moving to Leicester City in January 2017.
2. Ndidi scored his first goal for Genk in 2016, a striking effort that was later celebrated as one of the best in the Belgian league.
3. At Leicester, Ndidi helped the club secure promotion back to the Premier League by winning the Championship in the 2023-24 season.
4. Ndidi has become the fifth Nigerian player to join Besiktas, following the likes of Daniel Amokachi, Michael Eneramo, Christopher Ohenhen, and Ike Shorunmu.
5. Besiktas coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has publicly praised Ndidi’s professionalism and leadership, stating that his character and work ethic will fill a vital gap in the squad.