Leicester City are set for a battle to retain the services of midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, with Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur interested in acquiring his services next summer, according to PUNCH Sport Extra.
The 26-year-old has starred for the Foxes this season, playing a key role in the centre of the park as Enzo Maresca’s side have adapted to life in the Championship excellently. Despite losing their last two fixtures, the East Midlands club remain top of the league on goal difference. More importantly though, there is an eight point gap between them and third-placed Leeds United as they look to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
Ndidi featured in all of Leicester’s opening 12 league games, although he is currently sidelined with a muscle injury. He could return after the international break, but the threat of a summer exit continues to loom.
The Nigerian international is out of contract at the end of the season and rumours continue to circulate of interest from the top tier. Previous reports earlier this month claimed that Aston Villa, Brentford, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur are lining up a potential move in January.
Leicester will be reluctant to let any of their current crop depart in the New Year, especially whilst they are chasing promotion, and it is said that any potential contract extension will depend on whether the club achieve their aim this season. However, Barcelona are watching with intent and could make a move to sign the former Genk midfielder on a pre-contract agreement in January.
Furthermore, the report states that other European giants are circling, including Bayern Munich, Juventus and Atletico Madrid.
Meanwhile, Maresca will be focusing on the short term and will be hoping that Ndidi recovers in time to face Watford following the international break.
Writer’s View
Having joined the club in 2017 and playing a key role in their 2021 FA Cup triumph, Ndidi’s days at Leicester City look numbered. Whilst the Foxes will be hoping they can convince him to stay should they return to the Premier League – which looks likely – the lure of a potential move to one of Europe’s giants could be too tempting to turn down.
Expect rumours to continue throughout the next few months, especially in January, although Leicester are unlikely to sanction an exit before the end of the season. Although they are running the risk of losing him for free at the end of the season, this is one that they will be willing to take.
Head of Writing
