Having been linked with the midfielder last summer Celtic have the opportunity to sign an ex-Man United and Real Madrid target for free and reunite him with old boss
Celtic have the chance to act on their long-time interest in former Leicester midfielder Wilfred Ndidi as the Nigerian has become a free agent this summer.
There was a time when Ndidi was being linked with some of the biggest clubs in Europe on the back of his standout performances for the Foxes in the Premier League. Back in 2021, he was believed to be valued by Leicester at £52m.
Now, after a season in the Championship in which he won the league title, the midfielder has sought pastures new as he departed the club as his contact concluded.
Reuniting with his old manager in Glasgow is one path that Ndidi could take, with the Nigerian attracting interest from the club as Brendan Rodgers rejoined Celtic last summer.
Ndidi was signed by Leicester in 2017 from Belgian side Genk and played under the current Celtic boss for four years, enjoying FA Cup success in the meantime.
Speaking to Leicester Mercury when he joined the club after his first stint in charge of Celtic, Rodgers praised Ndidi, stating: “He’s obviously a player that’s got the good athletic ability and works very hard.
“I always have that sort of player, a clear, controlling player in the game. Sometimes, they’re a defensive type like him that can really press the game and play simply, or sometimes, it’s a more creative player, a playmaker from behind.
“He’s got so much talent and been very impressive. He covers the ground so fast. His anticipation is very good, he reads the game, smells the danger, and to have that type of player in there, it’s very important.”
Now back with the Bhoys, Rodgers now has the opportunity to reunite with his old enforcer, who was the subject of plenty of interest during his years at Leicester under the Northern Irishman.
As recently as 2023, it was reported that Real Madrid might target the midfielder as holding cover, and Manchester United held a long-term interest in recruiting the Nigerian when he was plying his trade in the Premier League.
There is no doubt that Ndidi would be a coup for the Scottish champions, but with the valuable relationship he developed with Rodgers, perhaps the move is on the cards.
Copyright © 2024
Leave a Reply