Super Eagles: 2 factors that could see Besiktas part ways with Ndidi

Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi could still be on his way out of Turkish club Besiktas before the end of the summer transfer window, Afrik-Foot reports.

Ndidi has faced an uncertain future at the club this summer despite only joining Besiktas last year following his departure from Leicester City in England.

The midfielder was an important part of the team last season, taking on a new leadership role and even captaining the side in several matches throughout the campaign.

However, his future has come under fresh speculation this summer, with Manchester United, Al Ittihad and Al Diriyah all reportedly interested in signing him before the transfer window closes.

Besiktas have placed a valuation of around €10 million on the Nigeria international, although none of the interested clubs have reached an agreement with the Turkish giants yet.

Ndidi has already started the new season with Besiktas, which appeared to have cooled talks over a possible departure. However, the Super Eagles midfielder could still leave before the window closes, with two major factors potentially working against him.

Ndidi is not in Vincenzo Italiano’s plans

The arrival of Vincenzo Italiano as Besiktas head coach earlier this summer appears to have played a major role in the uncertainty surrounding Ndidi’s future.

Concerns have emerged over whether the Nigerian midfielder fits into the new manager’s plans, and his limited involvement in the early stages of the new season has only added to the speculation.

Ndidi has featured four times across all competitions this season, but he has started only once. His other three appearances have come from the bench, with the midfielder playing just 39 minutes in total.

He was also left on the bench for both legs of Besiktas’ Europa League playoff clash against Kauno Zalgiris, although the Turkish side won 3-1 on aggregate to advance to the league phase.

His reduced role could eventually force Ndidi to consider a move away from Besiktas, especially if he wants to play regularly and maintain his fitness.

Regular playing time will also be important for the midfielder as he looks to remain a key member of the Super Eagles and avoid losing his place in the national team.

Ndidi could leave due to foreign player quota

Another factor that could influence Ndidi’s future is the foreign player quota in the Turkish Super Lig.

Turkish clubs can register up to 14 foreign players in their first-team squad and can name up to 12 foreign players in a matchday squad. The rule applies to Super Lig matches but not cup competitions.

According to reports, Besiktas currently have around 18 foreign players in their squad, meaning the club will need to reduce that number before the transfer window closes. As a result, Ndidi could potentially be one of the players sacrificed as Besiktas look to comply with the foreign player quota.

His situation could therefore depend not only on Italiano’s plans but also on the club’s need to make room in their squad before the deadline.

Where could the Super Eagles star end up?

If Ndidi eventually leaves Besiktas, a move to Saudi Arabia appears to be the most likely option.

Manchester United had previously shown interest in the midfielder, but that possibility now appears to have cooled after the Premier League club signed Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba.

The Red Devils may therefore no longer see the need to add another midfielder, leaving Saudi Arabia as the more realistic destination for Ndidi.

Al Diriyah and Al Ittihad are both interested in the Super Eagles captain and could battle for his signature before the transfer window closes. However, they would first have to meet Besiktas’ €10 million valuation, although the Turkish side could lower its asking price as the deadline approaches.

If Besiktas’ valuation is met, personal terms are unlikely to be a major problem, especially with the financial package Saudi clubs can offer.

A move would bring an end to the uncertainty surrounding Ndidi’s future at Besiktas and give him the opportunity to secure regular playing time elsewhere.