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Wilfred Ndidi

Beşiktaş Consider Ndidi, Uduokhai Exits as Foreign Player Quota Drives Squad Reshuffle

 

Turkish Super Lig side Beşiktaş are reportedly evaluating the futures of Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi and Nigeria-eligible defender Felix Uduokhai as the club prepares for the 2026/27 season under the constraints of the league’s foreign player regulations.

Ndidi joined the Istanbul outfit from Leicester City in the summer of 2025 and quickly established himself as an influential presence in midfield, earning praise for both his performances and leadership qualities.

However, according to reports from Turkish publication Fanatik, new manager Vincenzo Italiano is overseeing a comprehensive squad rebuild that could see several foreign players leave the club, with Ndidi and Uduokhai among those whose positions are under review.

The restructuring is understood to be aimed at complying with the Turkish Football Federation’s foreign player quota while also reducing the club’s wage commitments and creating room for new arrivals.

Despite his importance to the team, Ndidi has emerged as one of the players who could be sacrificed as Beşiktaş seek greater flexibility in assembling their squad for the upcoming campaign.

The 29-year-old has already been linked with interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia, fuelling speculation over a possible departure from Istanbul during the summer transfer window.

For now, Ndidi is expected to report for pre-season training on June 28, with a final decision on his future likely to be made after discussions between the player, the coaching staff, and the club’s hierarchy.

Uduokhai is also believed to be facing an uncertain future as Beşiktaş weigh their options ahead of the new season, with the club expected to make key personnel decisions in the coming weeks as Italiano finalises his plans.