Manchester United turned down the opportunity to sign Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi on a low-cost deal during the January transfer window in 2024, according to football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
Speaking on his Here We Go podcast, Romano revealed that Ndidi, who later joined Turkish giants Besiktas in the summer of 2024, was offered to the Red Devils as an affordable midfield option. The Nigerian international was said to be keen on a move to Old Trafford, but United decided not to pursue the deal.
“I can tell you that Wilfred Ndidi, former midfielder from Leicester, now at Besiktas, was offered an opportunity to Man United,” Romano said.
“A low-cost opportunity, the player was very keen on the move, but Man United decided immediately not to proceed. They had the chance to do something like a low-cost opportunity, but they decided against it.”
Ndidi had been strongly linked with a move to Manchester United during his time at Leicester City, where he established himself as one of the Premier League’s most reliable defensive midfielders. The 29-year-old went on to make 220 Premier League appearances for the Foxes and played a key role in their FA Cup and Community Shield triumphs in 2021.
United’s decision not to move for Ndidi now appears significant, especially given their long-standing search for midfield stability, while the Nigerian has since continued his career in Europe with Besiktas, where he has quickly become an important figure.