Wilfred Ndidi to return to Premier League? Manchester United linked with move for Super Eagles’ skipper

by Devesh Jaganath

image Wilfred Ndidi to return to Premier League? Manchester United linked with move for Super Eagles’ skipper
Following his impressive performance at the Africa Cup of Nations for Nigeria, Wilfred Ndidi could be in line to make a shock return to the Premier League. Reports in the last 24 hours have revealed that Manchester United have opened discussions with Besiktas for a possible move for the Super Eagles’ skipper this month.
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Man United eyeing up Ndidi as potential midfield reinforcement

Fair to say that after draws against newly promoted outfits Leeds United and Burnley, the sacking of Ruben Amorim, followed by being dumped out of the FA Cup by Brighton and Hove Albion, it has been a tough start to 2026 for Manchester United. 

However, after pulling off an incredible 2-0 victory over cross-town rivals Man City in Michael Carrick’s first game back at the club, things are starting to look a little more promising for the Red Devils, and it seems that the owners are looking to keep it that way. 

Reports from several sources in the past 24 hours have suggested that United are looking to bring in reinforcements before this month’s transfer window slams shut, and it is understood that Wilfred Ndidi is one of the players the club is considering to bring to Old Trafford. 

Ndidi was named as the captain of Nigeria for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations following William Troost-Ekong’s international retirement, and the former Leicester City midfielder led the Super Eagles to the bronze medal, despite not featuring in their final game against Egypt, which confirmed our football predictions. 

The 29-year-old midfielder has 220 appearances in the Premier League under his belt and was linked with a move to Old Trafford at the start of last season, but opted to join Besiktas after a move to Manchester failed to materialise. 

United’s midfield has been one of their weaknesses in recent seasons, and Ndidi could be an option to fill that void for the next few years alongside academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo, with veteran Casemiro approaching the end of his contract with the club. 

However, Ndidi is not the only player being linked with a possible move to Manchester, as former Chelsea man Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Joao Gomes of Wolves, and Everton’s James Garner are also believed to be on the radar of the 20-time top-flight champions. 

 

Besiktas confirm Ndidi injury following 2025 AFCON return 

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One issue that could force Manchester United to overlook Ndidi as a possible transfer target this month is the recent confirmation from Besiktas that the midfielder is set for a short stint on the sidelines after sustaining an injury during the 2025 AFCON. 

The 29-year-old did not feature for the Super Eagles in their third-place playoff against the Pharaohs, and underwent an MRI scan upon returning to Turkey last Sunday. Besiktas provided the following announcement on their official club website: 

“Our player Wilfred Ndidi, who was unable to continue playing in the 70th minute of Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations match against Algeria due to pain in his left hamstring, has been diagnosed with a strain and bleeding in his biceps femoris muscle following an MRI performed by the Nigerian national team’s medical staff.” 

The Black Eagles’ medical staff did not provide an exact timescale for Ndidi’s expected return but did confirm that he has already commenced treatment. He missed the team’s Super Lig clash against Kayserispor on Monday and is not expected to feature against Eyupspor next week.