Wilfred Ndidi has attracted the interest of Manchester United, who see him as a fix for their midfield woes.
However, Leicester City will not sanction a January move.
In modern football, the position of the defensive midfielder/deep lying playmaker is vital. In the past, Nigeria had John Obi Mikel, who captained the Super Eagles for many years. He even led them to AFCON success in 2013.
Every top club boasts of world-class material in that position as it has become an integral ingredient to success for any team. Real Madrid has Casemiro, Barcelona has Sergio Busquets, Manchester City have Rodri, and Chelsea has Jorginho. Many believe that Manchester United are currently flailing due to the absence of a quality player in that position.
Leicester City is one team that has been playing with the heavyweights, generally down to the presence of a quality player in that position. They had N'golo Kante with whom they won the league, and now with Wilfred Ndidi, they have been able to win the FA Cup and the FA Community Shield.
Ndidi fills a position where Manchester United are deficient, and there have been rumours of a bid coming for the Nigerian in January.
Manchester United interested in Ndidi
At Old Trafford, the chips are not falling into place. Despite an array of attacking talent, the team has been floundering. The situation has put Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in a tight spot with his job purportedly on the line.
John Fashanu was all praises for Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi and described him as a player with the potentials to shine at Manchester United.
With United’s vaunted interest in a midfielder of his mould, his name has popped up in several media suggesting an interest by the Red Devils.
The former Wimbledon striker believes Ndidi is the perfect player to solve United’s midfield woes.
What was said
Speaking to the Punch, Fashanu said that United watched him for years, even reportedly registering an interest. Fashanu believes that as one of the biggest clubs, it is a big deal that they showed an interest in Ndidi.
He claims that Manchester United can buy whoever they want, and having watched Ndidi for two years means that the player was not prepared to make the big step then. Fashanu also stressed that with United ready to bring him to Old Trafford, it shows he is ripe for the big time.
Unlikely January move
In 2016, Jose Mourinho registered an interest in bringing Wilfred Ndidi to Old Trafford. The player was ready to take the next big step, but the United board overruled Mourinho leading to Ndidi remaining at Leicester.
The former Ekosodin Stars player has fought his way to his current level. He joined Racing Genk in 2015 before transferring to Leicester City in January 2017.
With Leicester City still in three competitions, It is unlikely they’d sanction a January move. Whatever happens, Ndidi is ready for the big time and many are of the opinion that it is perhaps time for him to move to one of Europe's recognized heavy-weights.
This article was most recently revised and updated 2 years ago
