Wilfred Ndidi: Besiktas and Nigeria midfielder linked with Al-Diriyah move

Wilfred Ndidi, the Nigeria international midfielder currently at Besiktas, is being linked with a move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Diriyah. The 29-year-old defensive midfielder is under contract in Istanbul until 30 June 2028, but interest from Saudi Arabia is growing as clubs there continue to target established European-based players.

Besiktas signed Ndidi from Leicester City in August 2025 for a reported €8m fee, and his current market valuation stands at around €8m. Any talks with Al-Diriyah would therefore be expected to involve a significant transfer sum rather than a pre-contract agreement, with Besiktas in a strong position to negotiate given the length of his deal.

Ndidi has become a regular presence in the Besiktas midfield since arriving in Turkey, adding Super Lig experience to an already extensive top-flight career. Before his move to Istanbul, he made 220 Premier League appearances for Leicester, contributing seven goals and 14 assists and helping the club lift the FA Cup in 2021.

The potential switch would mark his first move to the Middle East, following earlier spells in Belgium’s Jupiler Pro League and England’s Championship as well as the Premier League. For now, Ndidi remains a key part of Besiktas’ plans, with three years still to run on his current contract.