Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has opened up on the reasons behind his decision to join Turkish giants Besiktas, turning down interest from several top European clubs in the process, Footynaija.com reports.
The Nigerian midfielder sealed his move to Istanbul in the summer of 2025, bringing an end to a nine-year spell in England with Leicester City, where he established himself as one of the Premier League’s most reliable defensive midfielders.
Before completing his switch to Turkey, Ndidi’s future had long been a subject of speculation across Europe. The Super Eagles star was consistently linked with moves to elite clubs in the continent’s top leagues, as his reputation continued to grow following years of top-level performances in England.
Germany emerged as a major destination of interest, with Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, Mainz 05 and Hoffenheim all linked with potential moves for the Nigerian enforcer.
In Spain, Valencia even made a late attempt to hijack his transfer, while Premier League heavyweights Manchester United were repeatedly touted as possible suitors in previous seasons.
However, rather than moving just for the sake of reputation, Ndidi revealed that his choice was driven by vision, belief and long-term ambition, factors he felt were clearly embodied by Besiktas.
What Wilfred Ndidi said
“For me, it was about the project, the culture, and the feeling. Besiktas showed real belief in me and a clear plan for how I could help the team,” the Super Eagles skipper told Punch in a recent interview.
“When you talk with people who value you and share your ambitions, it’s powerful. And of course, the supporters—Besiktas fans are special. The energy inside Vodafone Park is something every player wants to experience regularly.”
Ndidi has settled in nicely in Turkey, becoming the vice-captain of Besiktas barely two months after his arrival. So far, he’s featured 19 times for the Black Eagles, scoring once, but more importantly, providing that much-needed solidity in the middle of the park.
