Following Leicester City`s relegation from the Premier League, reports emerging from Germany suggest that clubs in the Bundesliga are monitoring the situation of Foxes midfielder Wilfried Ndidi.
Ndidi, a defensive lynchpin for Leicester for several years, arrived at the club from KRC Genk in January 2017. The transfer fee was reportedly around €17.6 million. Since then, the Nigerian international has been a familiar and often formidable presence in the centre of the park, making over 200 appearances in the Premier League.
He joined during the season that saw Leicester participate in the Champions League after their incredible 2016 title win, and he featured in the latter stages of that campaign. At his peak, Ndidi`s market value was estimated significantly higher, reaching figures around €60 million. Today, that valuation has naturally adjusted, reportedly sitting closer to €16 million. A sign, perhaps, of the shifting landscape after relegation, or just the ebb and flow of player valuations.
Despite this shift in market perception, Leicester City is said to be seeking a transfer fee in the region of €15 million should Ndidi depart this summer. With his contract at the King Power Stadium running until 2027, the club is in a relatively strong negotiating position, certainly not one of desperation, aiming to recoup a figure near their original investment from 2017.
The identities of the specific Bundesliga clubs showing interest remain undisclosed in the current reports. This lack of concrete names adds a touch of mystery to the situation. Which German side is in need of a proven, combative midfielder with Premier League experience, available at what could be considered a rather significant discount compared to his peak valuation?
While discussions about Bundesliga midfield needs often involve prominent clubs, reports suggest that a coach at one such club is keen to strengthen the defensive midfield position, but current club priorities elsewhere mean that particular club is not presently focused on this area. This suggests that while Wilfried Ndidi fits a profile many German teams might seek, the clubs currently showing interest are likely others.
As the summer transfer window progresses, it will become clearer whether a Bundesliga suitor will formalize their interest and meet Leicester`s valuation for the experienced Nigerian international. A move to Germany could offer Ndidi a fresh start and provide a top-flight platform after Leicester`s unfortunate drop to the Championship, potentially adding another fascinating chapter to his career.
