Wilfred Ndidi. (Nigel French/Sportsphoto)
Experienced Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi is available for just £9million due to a relegation release clause in his contract. Leicester’s relegation from the Premier League was confirmed after their 1-0 loss to Liverpool on April 20, activating the player’s clause in what would be a shrewd piece of business for clubs in need of steel in midfield.
Ndidi could be in luck if he is in search of a swift return the top flight, with TalkSport reporting that Premier League trio Crystal Palace, Fulham, and Everton are all interested in the Nigeria international. Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli and Ligue 1 side Marseille are also said to be keen.
He originally signed for the club in 2017 in a £17m deal from Genk, and last summer signed a three-year extension after gaining much interest as free agent.
Ndidi available for cut price of £9 Million
Ndidi recorded his 300th Premier League appearance in last week’s defeat to Wolves, a record bettered only by Jamie Vardy out of the current squad. He helped the club win their first ever FA Cup title in 2021, and also boasts a Community Shield and Championship title.
Still just 28, he could offer a lot to sides looking for a ball winner in midfield.
Everton were said to have made contact with the player last summer when he was a free agent, and could be favorites to reenter the race for his signature. With news of a likely departure for Abdoulaye Doucouré, Ndidi could slot right into Moye’s side.
Crystal Palace could do with more steel in midfield as well, with Adam Wharton and Will Hughes being primarily deployed higher up the pitch. He would face competition with the likes of Jefferson Lerma in the holding midfield position and the Eagles would benefit from a veteran presence in the centre of the park.
Fulham are also on the lookout for a midfield enforcer, having reportedly shown interest in re-signing former talisman Joao Palhinha from Bayern. The Portugal international left the club just one year ago, but has cut a frustrated figure after falling out of Vincent Kompany’s pecking order. Palhinha has since declared his desire to stay and fight for his place, and should Fulham fail to prize him back to Craven Cottage, Ndidi could serve as an alternative target.
Ndidi’s £9million price tag would be quite the bargain, allowing the Cottagers to invest funds in other areas of the pitch.
Should Ndidi fancy a move across the pond, Ligue 1 side Marseille could remerge as a landing spot. French publication La Provence last year reported that Marseille were keen on adding the Nigeria international – before the player eventually signed his new deal at Leicester.
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