United given firm response after opening talks for “dominant” midfield destroyer, he is desperate to leave – report

Manchester United could see another experienced former Premier League midfielder enter the shop window this month. What the report claims According to Turkish journalist Aydin Bayram, Besiktas will demand a fee of €15 million (£13.1 million) in order for Wilfred Ndidi to leave the club during the January window. United are expected to keep an eye out for midfield opportunities before the transfer window closes. This valuation, therefore, will catch the Red Devils’ attention. The 29-year-old is best known to English fans for his long stint in the top division with Leicester City. During his time with the Foxes, he built a reputation as a ball-winner with the engine to cover a lot of ground. He has also become a familiar face as a Nigeria international. For the Super Eagles, he has showcased athleticism, positioning, and recovery pace in the middle of the park. Why it matters Former Sky Sports journalist Alan Myers also reports that United have held talks with Besiktas regarding Ndidi. The defensive midfielder is also said to be keen on a route back to the top flight. My contacts in Turkey tell me Manchester United have had talks about Wilfred Ndidi, the player is anxious to return to England. — Alan Myers (@ALANMYERSMEDIA) January 21, 2026 Tweet: “My contacts in Turkey tell me Manchester United have had talks about Wilfred Ndidi, the player is anxious to return to England.” It is believed a move could materialise if interested clubs are willing to meet Besiktas’ price tag. This exit is, therefore, a potential one rather than a certainty. Essentially, the Turkish side are said to be protecting their position by setting a clear request. From United’s perspective, the key point is whether a midfielder with proven Premier League experience becomes realistically attainable at that number. The club’s recruitment has often focused on players who can stabilise the midfield while still offering solid work ethic out of possession. If Ndidi, therefore, does become available, his profile would make him a great stop-gap option at least for the short to medium term. He is experienced, physically strong, and capable of doing the dirty work, allowing  his more attacking teammates to clean up in the opposition half. Any potential move, however, would likely depend on United’s future plans in that department. There could be other, better-suited midfield targets that emerge in the final week of the winter window, meaning the situation remains one to watch. The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Okari Wambunya Okari Wambunya is a football writer at The Peoples Person, covering Manchester United with fast, source-led updates on team news, transfers, and matchday reaction. A former teacher, he now coaches grassroots football and continues to support young people through academic mentoring and youth work. He holds a BA (Hons) in English from Brunel University London and an MA in Education from King’s College London, with experience across digital journalism and broadcast sports media. Okari first praised Michael Carrick in a blog post he wrote at 16 years old in 2014; over a decade later, United appointing Carrick as interim head coach feels like a full-circle moment.