The big announcement is still pending, but Wilfred Ndidi is, for all intents and purposes, now a Besiktas player.
The Nigeria international underwent a medical with the Turkish club on Thursday as part of formalities for his transfer from Leicester City, with whom he spent eight years. Per reports, LaLiga side Valencia made a last-ditch attempt to hijack the transfer, but were unable to agree a fee with the Foxes, whereas Besiktas paid the full £9 million relegation release clause to get their man.
Ndidi, 28, is the latest Super Eagles star to move to Turkey this summer, following Victor Osimhen, Henry Onyekuru and Paul Onuachu to the Bosporus.
Wilfred Ndidi kisses Besiktas badge, woos fans
Speaking to the club’s official media following his medical, the midfielder spoke of his excitement at joining Besiktas, and assured the fans of his utmost commitment to the cause in the 2025/26 season.
“Joining Beşiktaş is really amazing for me,” Ndidi said. “I want (the fans) to enjoy this season and we'll see what comes out of the season. I'll try my best to support the team, be part of the team, and also try my best for us to win more games because more games gives[sic] trophy. So we'll see how it goes.”
🎙 Wilfred Ndidi’nin ilk sözleri. pic.twitter.com/q79hD5n5e7
— Beşiktaş JK (@Besiktas) August 7, 2025
Asked about his feeling after putting on the Besiktas shirt for the first time, he said, “Uh, feels really great, very warm, you know, welcoming. You can see when, before I put it on, I kissed the badge, which is very important. Shows love.”
While Ndidi’s signing has come too late for the first leg of the club’s Europa Conference League qualifier against St Patrick's Athletic, it is expected that he will be in contention for the return leg in seven days’ time.
