- Besiktas agree a €9.5m fee with Leicester
- Midfielder signs three-year deal despite interest from Europe
- Solskjaer remains under scrutiny after club’s poor start
Despite rumours over his managerial job, Solskjaer is pushing ahead with the squad boost at Besiktas. The Turkish side has reportedly agreed a €9.5 million fee with Leicester to sign the Nigerian midfielder, as reported by Sky’s Florian Plettenberg. The 28-year-old has agreed to a three-year contract, with an option for a fourth. Ndidi, who joined the English club in 2017, is set to undergo a medical in Istanbul on Thursday.
Ndidi’s arrival provides much-needed steel in midfield for Besiktas, who finished fourth in the Turkish Super Lig last season and are looking to bounce back stronger. However, Solskjaer’s position at the club remains uncertain following a 4-2 loss to Shakhtar Donetsk in the first leg of the Europa League second qualifying round.
The former Manchester United manager was appointed in January 2025, but reports in Turkey suggest the club is already weighing up other managerial options, with Nuri Sahin and former manager Sergen Yalcin as potential candidates.
Ndidi reportedly had offers from European clubs, including Everton, Valencia and Real Betis. But the 28-year-old defensive midfielder chose to join Solskjaer’s project in Istanbul. The Nigerian recorded one goal and five assists in 30 matches for Leicester last season.
While the new signings like Ndidi may offer short-term solutions, Solskjaer is believed to be on thin ice. Meanwhile, Besiktas, who had a controversial transfer fallout with defender Kyle Walker-Peters, continues to strengthen their squad for the upcoming season. The Turkish club has reportedly enquired about Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey, who had a quiet season with the Premier League side last season.
