Man United plan audacious bid for Wilfred Ndidi before the close of the transfer window

ENGLISH Premier League giants Manchester United are considering making a move for Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi in an audacious deal that would see him make a £12m move from Turkish side Besiktas before the closure of the January transfer window.

Ndidi, 29, is no stranger to English football, having spent eight years playing for Leicester City between 2017 and 2025, before moving Besiktas last summer. He has earned over 70 caps for the Super Eagles, representing Nigeria at multiple major tournaments and qualifiers, including featuring at the 2018 World Cup.

Named as Nigeria's skipper late last year following the retirement of William Ekong, Ndidi is also the Besiktas vice captain. On January 13, Man United appointed Michael Carrick as its new head coach until the end of the 2025/26 season and the new manager is keen to bolster his squad as part of a move to get the job permanently.

A defensive midfielder himself during his playing days, Mr Carrick has identified Ndidi as a player who could help man United climb up the Premier League table. Currently sitting a distant fifth in the league table, Manchester United have no hope whatsoever of competing for the title with the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City as they are 15 off the leaders with 22 out of 38 games played.

In a recent post on social media platform X, Turkish journalist Mustafa Karatas revealed that Manchester United have set their sights on Ndidi. His current contract at Besiktas will run out in the summer of 2028, which could make it tough for the Red Devils to sign him on the cheap this year but Man United appear desperate to save their flagging season.

Ndidi is a good tackler of the ball and can read the danger well to secure possession back for his team inside his half. He does not mind putting his foot through the ball when the opposition are on the front foot and is a good passer of the ball.

At 29, Ndidi is playing in his prime, which makes him a decent option for Man United to consider this January or at the end of this campaign. However, he would only serve as a short-term fix to the club's midfield concerns given his age.