Manchester United assessed the possibility of signing Wilfred Ndidi during the January transfer window but chose not to proceed, despite the Super Eagles captain being available , Footynaija.com reports.
Ndidi, who joined Besiktas in August 2025 following Leicester City’s relegation, had been identified as an experienced Premier League option at a time when United were reviewing midfield depth and short-term cover.
The 29-year-old completed a move to the Istanbul club on a three-year contract after leaving King Power Stadium, where he spent many seasons as a starter in England.
Manchester United’s interest emerged as the club examined midfield solutions during a restrained winter window. Casemiro’s situation and the broader plan to reshape the department formed part of the backdrop to those discussions.
The Turkish club indicated a willingness to listen to offers, presenting Ndidi as a feasible January option.
Speaking on the situation, transfer market insider Fabrizio Romano said: “I can tell you that Wilfred Ndidi, former midfielder from Leicester, now at Besiktas, was offered as an opportunity to Man United.”
Romano added that the circumstances were favourable from a financial standpoint, stating: “A low-cost opportunity, the player was very keen on the move but Man United decided immediately not to proceed.”
He further explained United’s stance: “They had the chance to do something like a low-cost opportunity but they decided against it.”
Although informal talks and internal evaluations took place, United did not advance to formal negotiations or submit a bid.
Ndidi had only recently returned to action after sustaining a hamstring strain during Nigeria’s run to the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
