A fierce transfer race has erupted as Manchester United, Everton, Crystal Palace, and Fulham vie for the signature of Wilfred Ndidi, following the activation of his £9.5 million release clause after Leicester City’s relegation to the Championship.
According to talkSPORT, the Nigeria international signed a contract last year containing a clause that allows him to leave for a bargain fee if the club dropped from the top flight. That scenario has now unfolded, putting several clubs on high alert.
United are reportedly weighing up a move to bolster Ruben Amorim’s midfield, but face competition from Everton, as well as Crystal Palace and Fulham, all keen to acquire the experienced defensive midfielder.
Ndidi joined Leicester from Genk in January 2017 for £17 million and has since made over 300 appearances, contributing to the club’s FA Cup, Community Shield, and Championship promotion triumphs.
The 28-year-old has built a reputation as one of the league’s most reliable holding midfielders. As former Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers once stated, “one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.”
Interest also comes from abroad, with Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli reportedly monitoring the situation. However, “it is understood that the Saudi club are in the early stages of a possible swoop for Ndidi, who is yet to open talks with the potential suitor.”
Last summer, clubs like Marseille and Everton had shown interest in Ndidi when he was briefly a free agent. However, Leicester retained him on a new three-year deal running until 2027, including the now-activated £9 million release clause.
Meanwhile, Manchester United have already secured Matheus Cunha from Wolves, and submitted a £60 million bid for Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo, as the Amorim-led rebuild continues.
While Leicester are expected to keep key players—with only Jamie Vardy, Daniel Iversen, and Danny Ward out of contract—Ndidi’s departure appears increasingly inevitable given the favorable release terms and rising interest.
