Soccer News of Friday, 23 January 2026
Source: www.punchng.com
Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has been offered to Manchester United as he seeks a return to the Premier League just six months after leaving Leicester City, Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed.
The 29-year-old midfielder joined Turkish giants Besiktas in the summer, bringing an end to his eight-year spell in England, but is reportedly anxious to return to the Premier League.
Speaking on his YouTube channel on Thursday, Romano disclosed that Ndidi has been presented to the Red Devils as a possible option to bolster their midfield for the second half of the campaign.
“One player that is offered to Manchester United is Wilfred Ndidi,” Romano said.
“The former Leicester City midfielder, who is now playing in Turkey, is being offered as an opportunity for this January transfer window for their midfield.”
Despite the Nigeria international’s willingness and readiness to return to England, Romano revealed that Manchester United are yet to make any formal offer for his services.
“Offered in the sense that the player will be keen to return to the Premier League,” he added.
“Manchester United are aware of this chance, but at the moment, Manchester United have not made any bid or offer. The player is ready in terms of contract side, even to accept what it takes to go back to the Premier League.”
Reliable journalist Ben Jacobs told fan outlet The United Stand that Besiktas are contemplating a sale, with a loan with an option or a conditional obligation potentially on the table at roughly €12m-15m.
Ndidi arrived at the King Power Stadium in January 2017 from Belgian side Genk for £17m with the monumental task of replacing N’Golo Kante. Over approximately eight-and-a-half seasons, he became a fan favourite, winning the FA Cup, the Community Shield and the EFL Championship title.
Known for his tackling and interceptions, Ndidi was regularly atop the top flight’s defensive charts in his early Leicester career.
Following Leicester’s relegation from the top flight in 2025, Ndidi joined Besiktas on a deal running until 2027. While he has adapted well in Istanbul, even captaining the side recently, his desire for a Premier League comeback is widely reported.
After a strong showing at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where he led Nigeria to a bronze medal and received rave reviews, his stock has risen once more.
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick is seeking midfield reinforcements at Old Trafford, and Ndidi’s experience stands out.
Ndidi has been an influential figure for the Black and White, making 14 league appearances and scoring once so far this season.
With less than two weeks remaining in the winter transfer window, Ndidi will be eager to seal a move back to the Premier League in search of a more competitive challenge.