Liverpool are reportedly interested in a move for hard-tackling midfielder Wilfred Ndidi after a series of promising performances for Leicester City this season. The Lagos-born Nigerian joined the Foxes from Genk in January 2017 and has since gone from strength to strength, filling the gap left by N’Golo Kante in 2016.
At just 21 years of age, Ndidi is developing into a promising player at the King Power Stadium, having already featured in all 27 of the Foxes’ Premier League fixtures this term.
Nigerian outlet the New Telegraph claim that the midfielder is a top target for Jurgen Klopp and that the Reds are prepared to pay $75million for his services in the summer.
Klopp views Ndidi – adjudged the best tackler in the EPL this term so far, as an excellent addition to the team. And former Nigerian international Etim Esin believes a move to Anfield could happen but Klopp will have to fork out a substantial amount of money in the summer should Ndidi shine at the World Cup in Russia.
“I can’t remember the last time we had a Nigerian in Liverpool apart from Victor Moses’ brief stint there,” Esin was quoted by the New Telegraph.
“This is going to be a fantastic move for him and I think his transfer fee is likely going to go up because it could happen shortly after the World Cup.
“Ndidi has been doing well at Leicester; he is regarded as one of the best midfielders in the EPL now and should command that kind of transfer.
“I don’t think he will struggle at Liverpool, he is a player made for big club like that and with the role he plays, there is no way he will be sitting on the bench there.
“He’s certainly not going to be like Kelechi Iheanacho who moved to Leicester to become an option to Jamie Vardy; I see Ndidi walking straight into that Liverpool’s side.”
With Emre Can’s contract set to run out at the end of the season, Klopp could bring in Ndidi from Leicester. Ndidi has done commendably well at Leicester since joining the club last year. He could become an ideal replacement for Can if the German decides to leave Anfield in the summer.
Also, there is no player other than our skipper Jordan Henderson, capable of playing in the deeper midfield role. Ndidi could also act as Henderson’ backup, but to acquire his services, the Reds certainly have to break the bank.
