Ndidi: What it will cost Al Ittihad and Al Diriyah to sign Super Eagles captain

Saudi Arabian clubs Al Ittihad and Al Diriyah have both identified Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi as a midfield target, Afrik Foot reports.

Ndidi has emerged as one of the most sought-after African midfielders in the closing weeks of the transfer window after an impressive debut campaign in Turkey.

Although reports from Saudi Arabia and Turkey continue to link him with a lucrative switch, Besiktas have made it clear they will not sanction his departure cheaply.

Besiktas have set their price

According to African Football, Besiktas are prepared to listen to offers but will only entertain bids worth around €10 million for the 29-year-old.

That figure already represents a profit on the €8 million they paid Leicester City to sign him last summer.

However, Al Ittihad have already tested Besiktas’ resolve with an offer believed to be worth €12.5 million, although sporting director Önder Özen insists no official written proposal has reached the club.

Whether the opening bid was formal or exploratory, it underlines how highly Saudi clubs rate the Nigerian international.

Transfer fee may only be the beginning

The reported €10 million asking price is unlikely to be the full cost of signing Ndidi. The Super Eagles captain remains one of the highest-profile African midfielders in Europe and still has two years remaining on his Besiktas contract.

That puts the Turkish giants in a strong negotiating position. Should Al Ittihad and Al Diriyah become involved in a bidding battle, Besiktas could easily demand performance-related bonuses or additional clauses before approving any transfer.

Given Ndidi’s status as club captain for Nigeria and his experience across the Premier League, Belgian Pro League and Turkish Super Lig, his salary expectations are also expected to be substantial.

Why Saudi clubs remain interested

Despite turning 30 later this year, Ndidi remains one of Africa’s most reliable defensive midfielders.

His positional discipline, ball-winning ability and leadership continue to make him an attractive option for clubs seeking immediate quality rather than long-term development.

Al Ittihad’s interest comes after their unsuccessful pursuit of Raphael Onyedika, while newly promoted Al Diriyah are looking to strengthen significantly ahead of their first Saudi Pro League campaign.

Both clubs see Ndidi as a player capable of instantly improving their midfield.

Besiktas are under no pressure to sell Wilfred Ndidi

Unlike previous transfer windows where clubs have been forced into sales, Besiktas are not facing immediate financial pressure to cash in.

Ndidi remains an important figure in Vincenzo Italiano’s plans and has continued to feature prominently during pre-season preparations.

That means any interested club must convince both Besiktas and the player before a deal can be completed.

Unless Al Ittihad or Al Diriyah are prepared to meet the Turkish club’s asking fee and satisfy Ndidi’s personal demands, the Super Eagles captain could remain in Istanbul for another season.

For now, the price of securing one of Nigeria’s most experienced midfielders starts at €10 million, but the final figure could ultimately be much higher if Saudi interest intensifies before the transfer window closes.