Saudi clubs Al Diriyah and Al Ittihad table big-money bid for Nigeria captain Ndidi

Wilfred Ndidi, captain of the senior Nigeria national team, is at the centre of major interest from Saudi Arabian clubs Al Diriyah and Al Ittihad, who have submitted what is described as a “mega” official offer for the Besiktas midfielder.

The 29-year-old, who moved to Besiktas on a free transfer from Leicester City last summer, has two years left on a three-year contract in Turkey but could be allowed to depart if a suitable fee is agreed.

Besiktas are understood to be prepared to sanction his sale for about €15m, while the combined proposal from Al Diriyah and Al Ittihad is currently believed to be in the region of €10m. Negotiations between the parties are ongoing.

Besiktas plan midfield reshuffle

Besiktas have already begun planning for potential changes in midfield, focusing in particular on the position Ndidi has occupied since his arrival.

Those plans hinge on the player’s decision over his future. For now, a departure is viewed within the club as a real possibility, with both the Turkish side and the Saudi suitors waiting on Ndidi’s stance.

On the table for the Nigeria international is a two-year contract in Saudi Arabia, with wages said to be nearly three times higher than his current salary in Turkey. Despite the lucrative nature of the offer, Ndidi has yet to make a final decision.

Key figure for club and country

Ndidi joined Besiktas ahead of last season after leaving Leicester City at the end of his deal, and quickly became an important part of the Istanbul club’s midfield.

In the most recent league campaign, he made 25 appearances and scored two goals for Besiktas, adding a modest attacking contribution to his primary role as a defensive screen in front of the back line.

Over the same period, he was confirmed as the substantive captain of the senior national team of Nigeria, underlining his status as one of the Super Eagles’ most influential figures on and off the pitch.

Any move to Saudi Arabia would therefore have implications not only for Besiktas’ midfield rebuild but also for Nigeria’s national set-up, with their skipper potentially swapping European football for the rapidly expanding Saudi Pro League environment.

For now, Besiktas, Al Diriyah and Al Ittihad remain in talks, with the gap between the Turkish club’s valuation and the current €10m offer still to be bridged as Ndidi considers whether to stay in Istanbul or pursue a new challenge in Saudi Arabia.