Super Eagles: Has Wilfred Ndidi changed his mind on a possible Besiktas exit?

Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi appears set to remain at Beşiktaş for now after fresh developments suggested the midfielder will report for pre-season amid growing transfer speculation, Afrik-Foot reports.

The 29-year-old only joined the Turkish giants from Leicester City last summer and quickly became one of the club’s most influential players, earning the vice-captaincy in his debut campaign.

Ndidi was a major part of the recruitment project initiated under Ole Gunnar Solskjær, but the former Manchester United coach was fired just weeks after the Nigerian joined the club.

Poland captain Robert Lewandowski and Nigeria skipper Wilfred Ndidi. Copyright: xKatarzynaxPlewczynskax IMAGO

The one-time FA Cup winner has been linked with a possible return to the Premier League, with newly promoted side Hull City monitoring his situation while Manchester United considered making a bid during the winter transfer window.

Clubs in Saudi Arabia have also shown interest, but Besiktas are reportedly unwilling to let him leave for less than €8 million, the same amount they paid to sign him.

What has been said about Ndidi’s Besiktas future?

According to Footy Africa, Ndidi is expected to join Besiktas’ pre-season camp in Slovakia this week after spending part of his holiday in Nigeria.

Nigeria and Besiktas star Wilfred Ndidi. Photo by Seskimphoto /IMAGO

The midfielder is also scheduled to hold talks with new head coach Vincenzo Italiano over his role in the squad before taking part in full training.

Turkish journalist Ertan Süzgün also confirmed Ndidi’s inclusion in Besiktas’ Slovakia camp plans, stating that the Nigerian will join the squad on July 2.

That development is significant because it suggests Besiktas still see him as part of their plans for the upcoming season despite the speculation. Ndidi remains under contract at Vodafone Park until the summer of 2028.

Photo by Icon Sport

Has Wilfred Ndidi changed his mind on a Besiktas exit?

The strongest indication is that he may have. The first reason is that reporting for pre-season often signals commitment.

Players actively pushing for exits usually delay returns, request permission to stay away, or work through agents to force negotiations. Ndidi doing the opposite suggests he is open to continuing under Italiano, at least until the right offer arrives.

Vincenzo Italiano at Besiktas. (Photo credit: Besiktas/X)

Secondly, the managerial change may have altered his thinking.

Under Solskjær and Sergen Yalçın, Ndidi was central to Besiktas’ structure, but uncertainty followed after the club hired a new coach.

Now, with Vincenzo Italiano arriving and seeking direct talks with him, Ndidi may feel there is a fresh opportunity to redefine his role and remain an important figure in the project or elsewhere.

There is also the financial reality. Besiktas’ €8 million valuation is not excessive, but it narrows the list of realistic suitors. Premier League clubs may hesitate given Ndidi’s age and wages, while Saudi clubs often move based on shifting priorities.

Unless one of those clubs acts decisively, staying in Istanbul may simply be the most practical outcome.

Jota Silva and Besiktas teammates. Photo by ImagoxSeskimPhoto

For now, though, all signs point to Ndidi remaining with Besiktas, but in football, especially during transfer windows, that can change very quickly.