“BIG TWIST as Newcastle United target makes transfer U-turn by ‘agreeing’ bumper contract
Reports indicate that Newcastle United was particularly interested in the 27-year-old Ndidi. Once valued at £50 million, his contract expired on June 30. With Financial Fair Play (FFP) and Profitability and Sustainability Regulations (PSR) continuing to pose challenges, several Premier League clubs have been closely monitoring his situation. Ndidi is known for his exceptional ball-winning abilities and play-breaking skills, attributes that Newcastle currently lacks in their squad. Manager Eddie Howe has primarily used Bruno Guimaraes in the deep-lying midfield role during his tenure at Tyneside, but Ndidi would offer a different dimension to the team’s midfield.
Acquiring Ndidi on a free transfer would have been a significant financial boost for Newcastle, especially given their tight budget constraints. The club narrowly met the FFP/PSR deadline before July 1, leading to the departures of players like Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh, as well as sporting director Dan Ashworth. The strategic adjustments were necessary to align with financial regulations, highlighting the importance of cost-effective signings.
Despite the interest from Newcastle, various sources now claim that Ndidi will reject all offers and sign a three-year contract extension with Leicester City. This new deal is believed to include a release clause, keeping the possibility of a future transfer open. This clause provides Ndidi with some flexibility, ensuring that he can consider future offers if they align with his career aspirations and the club’s interests.
Everton also expressed interest in competing with Newcastle for Ndidi’s signature. The Toffees are planning a frugal summer rebuild after experiencing financial difficulties and receiving two points deductions last season. Everton’s financial restrictions make the pursuit of cost-effective yet quality players like Ndidi even more critical. The Toffees are keen to strengthen their squad without compromising their financial stability, and Ndidi’s free-agent status made him an attractive target.
Last month, Ndidi hinted at the possibility of exploring new opportunities if a suitable offer came along. He stated, “It is good to be back to the Premier League after being relegated, and struggling back to EPL is actually something we don’t want to go back to again. I think morale is high, expectation is high, we have to ensure we do not return to the Championship. It’s a tough place to play. If a good chance comes, I won’t mind trying my luck elsewhere but, for now, I remain a Leicester City player.”
As things stand, Ndidi seems poised to remain at Leicester City, committing his immediate future to the club while keeping the door open for potential moves in the coming years. His decision to stay is a significant boost for Leicester, as they aim to rebuild and establish themselves as a competitive force in the Premier League following their return from relegation.
In conclusion, while Newcastle United and Everton both saw Ndidi as a valuable addition to their squads, the midfielder has chosen to extend his stay at Leicester City. This decision underscores Ndidi’s loyalty to the club and his desire to help Leicester achieve their goals in the top flight. Both Newcastle and Everton will now need to look elsewhere to bolster their midfield options as they prepare for the upcoming season.
