Ndidi Turns Down Saudi Offers, Commits to Besiktas as Captain

Nigeria and Besiktas captain Wilfred Ndidi has turned down transfer approaches from two Saudi Pro League clubs, Al Ittihad and Al Diriyah, opting instead to remain in Istanbul as the Turkish club's 2026-27 season gets underway.

Al Ittihad reportedly tabled an offer worth close to €10 million, while Al Diriyah also prepared a bid, but Besiktas had already knocked back an earlier €7 million approach, valuing their Nigerian midfielder closer to €15 million. The gap between the offers and Besiktas' valuation, combined with Ndidi's own reluctance to leave, ultimately killed off the moves.

Ndidi joined Besiktas from Leicester City in August 2025 and quickly became a fixture in midfield, making 31 appearances in his debut season and earning the captain's armband, a rare show of faith for a player barely a year into a new league and country.

With the transfer saga now closed, Ndidi was named in Besiktas' squad for their season opener against Eyupspor, and his settled club situation is expected to benefit Nigeria's Super Eagles too, given he also wears the captaincy for the national team.

Source: TalkTalk Nigeria