Ndidi poised for Leicester exit as Foxes scout replacement

Published on by Godfred Budu

Wilfred Ndidi set to depart Leicester City at season's end. With his contract ending on June 30, speculation is rife about the player's future at the club.

Since his arrival from Belgian club KRC Genk in 2017, Ndidi has established himself as a vital cog in Leicester's midfield, endearing himself to fans of the club and neutrals alike.

As per caughtoffside.com, the Foxes are plotting a move for Newcastle United's Sean Longstaff as a potential replacement for Ndidi.

Longstaff's deal with the Magpies expires in the summer of 2025, implying he might be up for grabs at a reasonable price in the next transfer window, should Newcastle prefer not to lose him without compensation.

The 26-year-old has maintained a consistent presence in Eddie Howe's lineup this season, featuring in 24 Premier League matches and contributing to six goals.

As Leicester City gear up for a Premier League comeback, Longstaff emerges as a viable option to fill Ndidi's shoes, boasting both experience and proven quality at St. James' Park

Ndidi has been instrumental in Leicester's pursuit of a Premier League berth. They have amassed 91 points in 43 games, leading second-placed Ipswich Town by two points and third-placed Leeds United by four points, despite having played one game less.

Ndidi's season in numbers

The 27-year-old has played a pivotal role in Enzo Maresca's squad, directly contributing to 11 goals with five goals and six assists in 32 appearances.

His importance to the team was highlighted when he suffered an injury during Leicester City's 2-0 win over Cardiff City, sidelining him for over two months and causing him to miss the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2024).

He finally made his highly-anticipated comeback during Leicester City's 1-0 triumph against Sunderland in the English Championship on Tuesday February 5, 2024.

Where will Ndidi go if he leaves Leicester?

The 27-year-old has emerged as a hot commodity in the transfer market, with several top clubs expressing interest in acquiring his services.

Among those reportedly eyeing the Nigerian midfielder are European giants Barcelona, Juventus, and Galatasaray.

With Ndidi's contract set to expire in June, the prospect of securing his signature on a free transfer has only heightened the competition among potential suitors.

Wilfred Ndidi @ Icon Sport
Photo by Icon Sport

As the transfer window approaches and Ndidi's availability as a free agent becomes imminent, it's expected that more clubs will join the race for his signature.

The potential move to Barcelona, Juventus, or Galatasaray presents an exciting opportunity for the Super Eagles midfielder to showcase his talents at the highest level and compete for top honours in domestic and European competitions.

However, with the door open for other clubs to enter the fray, the coming months are sure to bring about further speculation and intrigue surrounding Ndidi's future destination.

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Godfred Budu

Godfred Budu is a Ghanaian sports journalist with over a decade of experience, offering a dynamic perspective on African football, particularly Nigerian football. A dedicated follower of Enyimba United, he has developed a deep understanding of the Nigerian football scene.

Godfred has contributed to prominent platforms such as Kickgh.com and Inkandkicks.com, where his insightful commentary and in-depth analysis of both Ghanaian and Nigerian football have earned him recognition.
Known for his passion for storytelling and commitment to accuracy, he has become a trusted authority in sports journalism, captivating audiences with his engaging narratives and expert insights into the African football landscape.

Holding a degree in Integrated Development Studies (Social and Development Administration option) from the University for Development Studies, Ghana, Godfred’s work continues to resonate with fans of both Ghanaian and Nigerian football, where his expertise stands out.