Al-Ittihad interested in Beşiktaş midfielder Wilfred Ndidi

Al-Ittihad is interested in signing Wilfred Ndidi from Beşiktaş. The Saudi Pro League club is looking to bolster its midfield following the departure of Fabinho, and the Nigerian international has emerged as a target.

Beşiktaş coaching staff are reportedly dissatisfied with the 29-year-old's performances during his single season in Turkey. While the club signed the former Leicester City player for €8m in August 2025 on a three-year deal with a fourth-year option, a transfer to Saudi Arabia could end his stay in Istanbul much sooner than expected.

Ndidi's first campaign in the Süper Lig saw him feature in 25 matches, starting 23 of those games. He accumulated approximately 2,000 league minutes and scored two goals, including a strike in a 4-0 victory against Göztepe in February 2026. He did not record any assists during that period and received five yellow cards.

Fitness issues have also impacted the midfielder's recent availability. An MRI scan conducted at Acıbadem Altunizade Hospital in July revealed a ligament injury in his ankle, requiring rehabilitation. Consequently, he has played only 14 minutes in the current 2026-27 season.

Although Beşiktaş sporting director Önder Özen previously noted interest from Saudi Arabian clubs, no official written offer had been submitted at that time. Recent reports suggest potential proposals from Al-Ittihad could range between €10.5m and €12.5m.

If the move becomes official, Ndidi will leave a club where he was recently appointed as a captain alongside Orkun Kökçü. Beşiktaş had initially brought the Super Eagles midfielder to Istanbul to provide defensive stability and experience for both domestic and European competitions.