Al-Ittihad Ndidi talks could begin soon as the Saudi club considers a move for Beşiktaş midfielder Wilfred Ndidi

Al-Ittihad are preparing to open talks with Beşiktaş over a possible move for Nigeria midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, with the Saudi Pro League club exploring a deal that could bring the former Leicester City player to Saudi Arabia after only one season in Turkey.

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Ndidi joined Beşiktaş from Leicester City for €8 million in August 2025, signing a three-year contract with an option for a further season.

The midfielder was also appointed one of the Istanbul club’s captains alongside Orkun Kökçü.

The 29-year-old made 25 Süper Lig appearances during his first campaign, starting 23 matches and scoring twice as he established himself as an important part of the Beşiktaş midfield.

His future in Istanbul has nevertheless become uncertain following reported interest from Al-Ittihad.

Turkish newspaper Fotomaç reported that Ndidi could leave Beşiktaş if the Saudi club follows its interest with a formal proposal.

Earlier reports suggested that Al-Ittihad could be prepared to offer between €10.5 million and €12.5 million for the Nigerian.

Beşiktaş sporting director Önder Özen had previously acknowledged interest from Saudi Arabia in Ndidi, although no formal offer had been received at that stage.

The latest development could now lead to direct discussions between the clubs, with Ndidi’s contract tying him to Beşiktaş until 2028 and including an option for another year.

Al-Ittihad’s interest is understandable as the club looks to reshape its midfield following the departures of Fabinho and N’Golo Kanté.

Ndidi’s defensive awareness, strength in midfield and experience at the highest level of English and European football make him an attractive option for a side looking to add greater defensive balance to its midfield.

The Nigerian midfielder spent seven seasons with Leicester City before moving to Turkey.

During his time in England, Ndidi became known for his ability to win possession and protect the defence, qualities that helped establish him as one of the Premier League’s most effective defensive midfielders.

His move to Beşiktaş last year represented a new chapter after Leicester’s relegation from the Premier League, but his stay in Istanbul could now prove considerably shorter than expected.

Fitness has also been a concern for Ndidi this summer. Beşiktaş confirmed in July that the midfielder had suffered an ankle ligament injury, limiting his involvement during preparations for the new season.

He has since returned to action, making one appearance before the new campaign and playing 14 minutes.

The potential move to Saudi Arabia is not entirely new. Al-Ittihad and Al-Diriyah were both previously linked with Ndidi in June, suggesting that interest in the Nigeria international has been developing for several months.

Al-Ittihad are also reportedly facing competition for their preferred midfield targets. Another Nigerian, Raphael Onyedika, has been linked with the Saudi club but is now reportedly close to joining Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt.

That development could increase the importance of Ndidi to Al-Ittihad’s recruitment plans as the club searches for midfield reinforcements.

For Beşiktaş, however, the potential departure would represent a significant decision. Ndidi was not only an established starter last season but was also trusted with a leadership role after being named one of the club’s captains.

Selling him for a fee above the €8 million paid to Leicester could provide Beşiktaş with a financial return, but the club would still need to replace an experienced defensive midfielder before the transfer window closes.

For Ndidi, a move to Al-Ittihad would offer a fresh challenge in the Saudi Pro League and potentially a lucrative new chapter after only 12 months in Turkey.

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No formal agreement has yet been reached, but with Al-Ittihad reportedly preparing to turn its interest into talks, Ndidi’s future could become one of the more intriguing Nigerian transfer stories of the current window.