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Al Diriyah prepare improved bid for Besiktas captain Wilfred Ndidi
Saudi Arabian club Al Diriyah are preparing an improved offer for Besiktas captain Wilfred Ndidi after the Turkish side rejected an initial €7m bid for the Nigeria midfielder.
The proposed fee, reported to be worth approximately N11bn in Nigerian currency, was turned down by Besiktas, but Al Diriyah remain determined to complete a deal during the current summer transfer window, according to Turkish sports daily Fanatik.
Ndidi joined Besiktas from Leicester City last summer and has quickly become an influential member of the Istanbul-based club’s squad. His experience, leadership and defensive ability have made him an important figure for the Black and Whites.
The 28-year-old recently demonstrated his value after helping Besiktas secure a 1-0 victory against FC Hradec Kralove at the Malsovicka Arena in a UEFA Conference League qualifier.
Having only just returned from an injury lay-off, Ndidi was introduced in the second half. He made an immediate contribution by setting up Semih Kılıcsoy, who scored the decisive goal towards the end of the match.
Ndidi’s performances for Besiktas have attracted interest from several clubs and fuelled increasing speculation that the Nigeria international could move to Saudi Arabia.
Al Diriyah are particularly keen to recruit the midfielder as they seek to strengthen their options in the centre of the pitch. Their willingness to return with an improved proposal underlines their desire to secure Ndidi’s signature despite Besiktas’ rejection of the first offer.
The Turkish club, meanwhile, appear to be considering the possibility that Ndidi could leave before the transfer window closes. Besiktas are reportedly in talks over a potential free transfer for Ivory Coast midfielder Franck Kessie.
The discussions over Kessie suggest Besiktas may be assessing alternatives in midfield, although Ndidi remains under contract and the club have yet to accept Al Diriyah’s offer.
Ndidi established himself as a key player after making the move from Leicester City, where he had previously built a reputation as a disciplined and combative defensive midfielder. Before joining the Premier League club, he played for Genk.
His latest contribution against FC Hradec Kralove came shortly after his return from injury and reinforced his importance to Besiktas. The assist for Kılıcsoy provided the difference in a closely contested qualifier and helped the Turkish side claim a 1-0 win.
With only a few weeks left before the summer transfer window closes, Ndidi will be eager for clarity over his future. The Nigeria captain will also be expected to maintain his focus on producing consistent performances for Besiktas and the Super Eagles while negotiations continue.
