Wilfred Ndidi: 3 moves suggesting Besiktas are ready for Super Eagles captain’s exit

Wilfred Ndidi’s future at Besiktas could be heading towards a decisive turning point, with the Turkish giants preparing for a possible exit of the Super Eagles captain this summer, Afrik-Foot reports.

The 29-year-old remains an important figure at Besiktas after joining the club from Leicester City last year, but developments in the transfer market suggest the Turkish side may already be putting plans in place for life without him.

Here is a breakdown of the developments pointing towards a possible Ndidi exit.

Al Diriyah refuse to give up on Ndidi

The biggest factor is the interest from Saudi Pro League side Al Diriyah. The Saudi club saw an initial €7 million bid for Ndidi rejected by Besiktas but are preparing an improved offer for the Nigerian midfielder.

Ndidi’s qualities make him an attractive target for Al Diriyah. His defensive awareness, physicality and experience at the highest level would allow him to provide stability in midfield, while his status as Super Eagles captain adds a layer of leadership.

For Besiktas, the question is whether the value of keeping Ndidi outweighs the financial benefit of selling him.

Besiktas are already exploring alternatives

The second major clue is Besiktas’ activity in the midfield market. As per Fanatik, the club are exploring a move for Ivory Coast international Franck Kessie, who could become available as a free agent.

Kessie would not be a direct replacement for Ndidi, but his arrival would give Besiktas another experienced and physically strong option in midfield.

The timing is particularly interesting. If Besiktas were committed to retaining Ndidi, adding another midfielder would still make sense from a squad-building perspective.

However, Kessie’s potential arrival would also give the club greater protection should Al Diriyah return with an offer that convinces them to sanction Ndidi’s departure.

Arthur Melo could change the equation

Besiktas have also placed Juventus midfielder Arthur Melo on their radar. The Brazilian previously worked with Besiktas coach Vincenzo Italiano at Fiorentina, and the Italian manager is understood to be interested in reuniting with his former player.

Arthur would offer something very different from Ndidi. While the Nigerian provides defensive protection, ball-winning ability and physical presence, Arthur is more naturally suited to controlling possession and dictating the tempo from deep.

A midfield containing Kessie, Arthur and other existing options would give Besiktas significantly more flexibility.

It would also make an Ndidi sale easier to absorb. As per Turkiye Gazetesi, if the Turkish club sign Arthur, they’ll sanction a sale for the Super Eagles captain, only if the offer exceeds €10m.

Wilfred Ndidi remains valuable to Besiktas

Despite the transfer speculation, Besiktas have not indicated that Ndidi is unwanted. Their rejection of Al Diriyah’s initial €7 million proposal is evidence of that.

The midfielder came off the bench during Besiktas’ 1-0 Conference League qualifying victory over FC Hradec Králové and played a role in the build-up to Semih Kılıçsoy’s late winner.

The situation, therefore, is not about the club wanting to get rid of Ndidi. Instead, the 16-time Super Lig Champions appear to be weighing the sporting value of keeping an experienced midfielder against the financial incentives involved if Al Diriyah improve their offer.