Manchester United may look to sign 29-year-old Nigerian international Wilfred Ndidi from Besiktas in the winter transfer window.

According to a report by TEAMtalk, Wilfred Ndidi is the subject of interest of Manchester United. The Red Devils are keen on reinforcing their first-team squad by sealing a cost-effective deal for a holding midfielder in the winter transfer window. So, the 29-year-old Besiktas midfielder has emerged as a target for the Premier League club.

During his unsuccessful talks with Jacon Wilcox to be the Manchester United head coach, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer highlighted the African midfielder as a player he would like to add to the squad for the second half of the 2025/26 season. While the former Norwegian striker did not get the job, the English giants have agreed with his assessment and submitted an enquiry for a January deal.

How has Wilfred Ndidi fared at Besiktas?

Wilfred Ndidi has established himself as a pivotal figure since joining Besiktas from Leicester City last summer. The 29-year-old enjoyed an excellent stint with the Foxes, spending eight years at the King Power Stadium and playing his part in some memorable campaigns for the Midlands outfit.

Speaking of memorable campaigns, Ndidi was part of the Nigerian squad that finished on the podium at the Africa Cup of Nations this month. Meanwhile, the player has made 16 appearances for Besiktas thus far, chipping in with one goal and one assist. His progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several well-known clubs. Manchester United will be among the prospective suitors vying for his signature in the winter transfer window.

Premier League return on the horizon?

Manchester United’s interest in Wilfred Ndidi is somewhat understandable. The Red Devils have been scouring the market for a holding midfielder heading into the winter transfer window. While Casemiro has been exceptional this season, Manuel Ugarte has failed to make his mark since joining Manchester United from Paris Saint-Germain 18 months ago.

Several candidates, including Ruben Neves, have thus emerged on Manchester United’s radar, with Ndidi also a viable target. The former Leicester City midfielder was on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s wishlist, with the Norwegian tactician flagging the player as an option during his unsuccessful talks with Jason Wilcox to become the new Manchester United head coach.

While Solksjaer did not get the job, the Ndidi suggestion has rubbed off on Manchester United, and they have submitted an initial enquiry for a January deal. While the 29-year-old Nigerian international does not have the quality to become a first-choice starter for the Red Devils, his extensive Premier League experience should help him become a solid second-half alternative to Casemiro, which Ugarte has not been this term.