Wilfred Ndidi, Leicester City’s sent a tweet to his club and team-mates saying how disappointing it was to finish fifth in the Premiership, having enjoyed a top-four position for so long. He went on to say that when all is said and done, it was nonetheless a successful season.
He also paid tribute to the fans, thanking them for being with the team even though the stadium was empty due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the social distancing rules. He concluded by saying it was a season to learn from and to use as a platform for growing into next season. He signed-off with a blue heart emoji.
One has to wonder, though. Will the 23-year-old be wearing a blue shirt next season, or will he succumb to offers from Premiership clubs with bigger reputations and perhaps a chance to play Champions League football with them in the 2020/2012 season?
Earlier in the season, the Foxes were looking good for a Champions League place and stood a chance of winning the FA Cup. Their Cup hopes were dashed by Chelsea, who beat then 1-0 in the quarter-finals.
Then, on the very last day of Premiership action, they lost 2-0 at the King Power Stadium to Manchester United, who before the game, were one place below them in fifth position in the table. United leapfrogged City and stole their fourth-place finish.
For gifted young players like 23-year-old Nigerian born Wilfred Ndidi, it’s all about winning trophies. When he joined Leicester in the January 2017 transfer window, the club had been crowned Premiership champions just eight months earlier, but that season they finished the season in 12th place. He was taken on as a defensive midfielder, a role that statistically is one of the most successful according to this season’s statistics.
He settled in well and is now recognised as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world with many pundits forecasting he will end up at one of the major European clubs – perhaps even Real Madrid.
There have been rumours previously about Manchester United being interested in signing the young Nigerian. With Leicester missing out on a Champions League place, such speculation suddenly becomes more credible.
Although rumour has mostly featured Manchester United in terms of a Ndidi move, it would not be surprising if Spurs’ manager, Jose Mourinho, was interested. Tottenham does need a good defensive midfielder, and the Nigerian would certainly fit the bill. Whether Ndidi would see the move as a step up is difficult to say, but he does hold the Portuguese manager in high esteem and might see himself fitting his plans for the team.
If Ndidi does make it known that he wants to move, one thing is for sure. There will be no shortage of top clubs, both here in English Premiership and top league clubs throughout Europe, who would be interested in acquiring his services.
