Super Eagles: Al Ittihad step up pursuit of Ndidi – 2 key reasons behind interest

Saudi Pro League giants Al Ittihad have stepped up their pursuit of Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi from Besiktas this summer, Afrik-Foot reports.

Ndidi’s future has become one of the biggest talking points since the end of last season, with growing uncertainty over whether he will remain at the Turkish club beyond this summer.

The Super Eagles midfielder only joined Besiktas from Leicester City last summer but quickly established himself as one of the team’s most important players, making 31 appearances across all competitions.

However, the arrival of Vincenzo Italiano as the club’s new head coach earlier this summer has created further uncertainty over his future. At the same time, interest from clubs such as Manchester United and Saudi side Al Diriyah has continued to fuel speculation over a possible exit.

Al Ittihad make move for Wilfred Ndidi

According to Transfermarkt, Al Ittihad have now intensified their pursuit of Ndidi and have submitted an offer worth around €12.5 million plus add-ons to sign the Super Eagles midfielder from Besiktas.

The Turkish side had already rejected a €7 million bid from Al Diriyah earlier in the transfer window, while Manchester United, despite their interest, have yet to make an official offer.

Al Ittihad’s proposal reportedly is made up of a fixed fee of €10.5 million plus performance-related add-ons and it could be enough to convince Besiktas to sell the midfielder.

Although Ndidi is open to remaining at Besiktas, he is also willing to consider a move away from the club and his exit could now be finalized with Al Ittihad’s interest in recent days.

Why Al Ittihad are keen on Super Eagles captain

There are several factors driving Al Ittihad’s desire to sign Ndidi this summer as they prepare for the new season.

The first major reason is the club’s need for an experienced defensive midfielder following the departure of Fabinho.

The former Liverpool star’s contract expired at the end of last season, bringing an end to a successful spell that began when he joined the club in 2023 and his exit has left a huge gap in Al Ittihad’s midfield.

The situation has been made even more challenging by the departure of French midfielder N’Golo Kante, who joined Fenerbahce earlier this year. Losing two experienced midfielders within a short period has forced Al Ittihad to search for proven replacements.

Ndidi fits that profile perfectly. The 29-year-old has spent several years competing at the highest level in Europe and would provide the physical presence and leadership that the Saudi club are looking for.

His work rate and experience also makes him an ideal candidate to strengthen the midfield and at 29, he still has several productive years ahead of him. 

Another reason behind their pursuit is the need for greater squad depth ahead of next season. After surrendering their Saudi Pro League title to Al Nassr last season, Al Ittihad are determined to reclaim the championship and are eager to strengthen their squad with experienced players ahead of the new campaign.

The Saudi club are appearing likely to miss out on another Nigerian midfielder, Raphael Onyedika, who is closing in on a move to German side Eintracht Frankfurt.

With Onyedika edging closer to a move to the Bundesliga, Al Ittihad have accelerated their move for Ndidi in an effort to avoid missing out on another key midfield target.

Should Besiktas accept the offer, agreeing personal terms with Ndidi is not expected to be a major obstacle, potentially paving the way for the Super Eagles captain to complete a move to the Saudi Pro League and begin a new chapter with Al Ittihad.