Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi is likely to embark on a new challenge in the Bundesliga, according to Sky Sports.
The 28-year-old has been a key star at the King Power Stadium since arriving for a fee of £17 million from Belgian outfit Genk in January 2017. He has since racked up over 300 appearances whilst winning the club’s first ever FA Cup in 2021.
The Foxes relegation from the Premier League in 2023 saw him linked with a move away from the East Midlands, but he stayed put to help them bounce back at the first time of asking. Despite that, speculation arose that the Championship triumph would be his swansong, but he committed his future by penning a fresh three-year deal in July 2024.
The Nigerian international made 28 top flight appearances last season under Steve Cooper and Ruud van Nistelrooy. However, he was unable to help them beat the drop, with it since emerging that his latest deal included a £9 million release clause in the event of relegation.
Germany ‘Likely’ Destination
Ndidi’s low fee means that he has once again generated a host of interest. Everton are long-term admirers, whilst it was claimed last weekend that Manchester United are also keen. Crystal Palace, Fulham, AS Monaco, Besiktas and Fenerbahce have also been linked over the past few weeks.
Sky Sports Germany reported at the weekend that several Bundesliga clubs had been alerted to his availability, but it now appears as if this is his most likely destination. It has now been stated that Mainz, Hoffenheim and at least one other have made an approach for the player.
Wilfred Ndidi more likely to be Bundesliga-bound than the PL, I’m told. Mainz, Hoffenheim and other German clubs interested. The #lcfc midfielder’s release clause has dropped to £9m after relegation. Meanwhile, it would take £25m+ for Leicester to consider selling El Khannouss.
— Rob Dorsett (@RobDorsettSky) July 17, 2025
Writer’s View
Leicester will be reluctant to sell one of their key stars ahead of the new season but know that they don’t hold the upper hand. Whilst he played a key role in their Championship winning campaign in the 2023/24 season, they knew that the only way they would keep him for the long-term is by maintaining their Premier League status. Dangling the carrot of a relegation release clause allowed them to keep hold of the midfielder but their drop back into the second tier now means it is likely that he has played his last game for the club. The only salvage they can take from this situation is that it looks as if he will move to the continent, meaning they will avoid come up against him in the future should they once again earn a spot in England’s top division.
