European giants Barcelona will make a move for Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi at the end of the season, according to Spanish media outlet SPORT.
The 26-year-old is out of contract at the end of the campaign and there are currently no signs of fresh terms being agreed, meaning his six-year stay at the King Power Stadium looks set to be coming to an end.
Ndidi joined the Foxes in 2017 from Belgian outfit Genk and has played a starring role in Leicester’s midfield ever since, including in their FA Cup triumph of 2021. He opted to remain in the East Midlands following their relegation from the Premier League in May and has three goals and five assists in 18 appearances so far this season.
Leicester currently top the Championship as they look to make a swift return to the top tier, although he is one of a number of stars linked with a move away from the club. Various clubs across the continent have already expressed an interest in the Nigerian international, although Barcelona have been keeping an eye on the player for the last two years.
According to the publication, a decision has been made to launch an assault on the midfielder after ruling out a move for the likes of Joshua Kimmich and Martín Zubimendi due to financial restraints. As a result, Ndidi has emerged as their top target and he would currently be available to discuss the transfer at the turn of the year.
However, it does state that he is happy at Leicester and a contract renewal is not out of the question should Enzo Maresca’s team achieve their aim of promotion this season.
Other clubs reportedly keeping an eye on the situation include Barcelona’s La Liga rivals Sevilla and Italian juggernauts Juventus.
Writer’s View
Leicester know the only hope they have of retaining the service of Ndidi is to earn promotion back to the Premier League. That looks likely though, where they currently sit one point clear of second-placed Ipswich Town and, more importantly, eight above Leeds United in third.
Both the player and the club will be focused on the job in hand first of all though, starting with today’s visit of Plymouth Argyle. However, the transfer speculation will not be helpful.
Head of Writing
