Ndidi scares off yet another European powerhouse with wage demand

Published on by Toyosi Afolayan

Wilfred Ndidi's future remains shrouded in uncertainty after Sevilla reportedly pulled out of the race for the Nigerian midfielder due to his high wage demands.

The 27-year-old's impressive displays during Leicester City's Championship title run had attracted interest from several clubs, but it appears his desired salary is proving to be a significant obstacle.

Following a successful promotion campaign, the Foxes secured their Premier League return, and Ndidi was instrumental in their success. The Nigerian international's contributions were particularly vital in the latter stages of the season after overcoming a three-month injury layoff.

Wilfred Ndidi scares off yet another European giant with wage demands
Photo by Icon sport

He finished the campaign with a commendable tally of six goals and six assists, solidifying his place as one of the team's driving forces under former manager Enzo Maresca.

Despite his on-field contributions, Ndidi's future at Leicester remains unclear. With his contract having expired in June 2024, negotiations regarding an extension haven't yielded an agreement yet. The clock is ticking for both parties as they attempt to find a solution before his deal runs out.

Bear market for Wilfred Ndidi as Sevilla interest fizzles out

According to Spanish outlet Estadio Deportivo, Sevilla, who are keen on acquiring Ndidi's services, reportedly approached him with a contract offer.

However, the Spanish club's proposal, which included a €1.5 million annual salary with a prorated signing bonus, fell short of the midfielder's expectations. Having earned a reported €4.5 million a year at Leicester, Ndidi desired to maintain or even increase his salary, a request that Sevilla deemed unfeasible.

Wilfred Ndidi scares off yet another European giant with wage demands
Photo by Icon Sport

Adding to the uncertainty surrounding his future, Ndidi was also linked with a move to French outfit Olympique Marseille.

Newly appointed manager Roberto De Zerbi was reportedly a big admirer and wanted the midfielder in his squad for the upcoming season. However, similar to the situation with Sevilla, Ndidi's wage demands reportedly became a stumbling block, putting the potential transfer at risk.

Ndidi's wage demands could also hinder potential moves to other La Liga clubs like Real Betis and Barcelona. With Sevilla out of the picture and Leicester yet to agree on a new contract, the Nigerian international finds himself in a precarious situation.

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Toyosi Afolayan

Toyosi Afolayan is a sports journalist who breathes life into the games we love. He loves to combine insightful analysis with historical background, creating a richer understanding of sports. Afolayan's expertise ranges from captivating narratives to live broadcasts, captivating audiences across platforms like Ojbsport, AllNigeriaSoccer, TVC Entertainment, Bounce Networks, Kwara TV, ICIR, EaglesTracker, and NFF TV. His background in History and International Studies adds depth, revealing the connections between sports, politics, and national identity.