Juventus have opened transfer talks with Wilfred Ndidi as they look to secure the Nigerian midfielder from Leicester City in a bargain deal following the Foxes’ relegation from the Premier League.
According to Italian publication Tuttosport, the Bianconeri have already begun making inquiries in England to understand the financial and contractual details surrounding the 28-year-old midfielder. Ndidi reportedly has a release clause of around €10 million (£9m), a condition activated by Leicester’s demotion to the Championship.
Ndidi signed a three-year extension with Leicester in July 2024, but the newly activated clause allows him to depart for a significantly reduced fee, well below his peak market value, which once exceeded €60m.
“The name in question is Wilfred Ndidi, 28 years old, a defensive midfielder by profession. The Nigerian plays for Leicester and this is where the opportunity lies,” Tuttosport reported.
Ndidi, who has made over 300 appearances for Leicester, was instrumental in the club’s FA Cup and Community Shield victories, though he missed the historic 2016 Premier League title run, having joined the club from Genk in 2017.
While Juventus are currently leading the race, competition for the Super Eagles midfielder is fierce. Premier League clubs Manchester United, Fulham, Everton, and Crystal Palace, as well as Real Betis in Spain and Al Ahli in Saudi Arabia, have all been linked with the player.
However, Juventus’ Champions League status and global profile give them a competitive advantage. “Tudor’s Juventus offer prestige, financial strength, and Champions League football. These are attractive factors for the Nigerian, who interestingly shares a hometown with Victor Osimhen,” Tuttosport added.
The Turin club sees Ndidi as a replacement for Weston McKennie, whose contract renewal talks have reportedly stalled. Juventus are also said to be pursuing smarter, cost-effective signings this summer after securing Jonathan David on a free transfer.
With Leicester facing another season in the Championship and a release clause too tempting to ignore, a move for Ndidi appears increasingly likely, marking what could be one of the smartest midfield acquisitions of the summer window.
