Former England midfielder Lee Hendrie has expressed doubts over Leicester City’s ability to retain Wilfred Ndidi this summer. Despite the club’s relegation from the Premier League, Ndidi remains one of their standout performers, drawing interest from various European clubs. Speaking , Hendrie highlighted Ndidi’s qualities and the likelihood of a £9 million bid being enough to secure his services.
“I was a big fan of him [when he was] playing in the Premier League. I know that he’s had injuries at times. I really do feel that the £9m will be met by someone, and that’s the thing you have to look at,” Hendrie commented. He further noted that recently promoted clubs would certainly have Ndidi on their radar, given his versatility as both a holding and forward-playing midfielder.
Hendrie also criticised Leicester’s recent squad-building strategies, suggesting the Foxes have lost their way over the past few seasons. He believes that Ndidi’s departure would be a significant blow, as his strength and adaptability make him well-suited for top Championship sides and lower Premier League teams.
Editorial
The potential departure of Wilfred Ndidi from Leicester City is both unsurprising and concerning. His consistency, even amidst the club’s struggles, has always set him apart. Leicester’s fall from Premier League grace wasn’t solely down to individual performances but rather a culmination of poor squad depth and strategic missteps. Losing a player of Ndidi’s calibre could signify yet another step back for a club that once defied all odds to lift the Premier League trophy.
We believe that Ndidi’s move might be inevitable, but it is also a reflection of Leicester’s inability to maintain their competitive edge. It is not just about losing a strong midfielder; it’s about losing the spine of a team that once thrived on collective spirit and resilience. For newly promoted teams, he represents a dream acquisition—a midfielder who not only disrupts opposition play but also provides a stable platform for transitions.
If Leicester are to rebuild, they must prioritise retaining core talents like Ndidi while investing smartly in areas that have been left vulnerable for too long. Otherwise, the Foxes may find their return to top-flight football delayed much longer than anticipated. Keeping Ndidi could have been a statement of intent; letting him go may signal just the opposite.
Did You Know?
- Wilfred Ndidi was signed by Leicester City in 2017 for a reported fee of £17 million from Genk.
- Since joining Leicester, Ndidi has ranked among the top players in the Premier League for tackles and interceptions.
- Ndidi was part of Nigeria’s squad for the 2018 World Cup and played in all three group matches.
- His nickname among teammates is “The Octopus” due to his incredible reach and tackling ability.
- Before his move to Europe, Ndidi was part of the Nath Boys Academy in Lagos, Nigeria.
