# Beşiktaş–Saudi clubs transfer talks

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/beiktasaudi-clubs-transfer-talks
> Updated: 2026-08-13T10:36:23.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 4.

On 17 July 2026, Turkish side Beşiktaş rejected a €7 million offer from Saudi club Al Diriyah for Nigerian midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, stating the bid was below his market value and indicating they would only consider offers around €10 million. Ndidi, who joined from Leicester City in August 2025, serves as vice-captain and was a key contributor during the 2025/26 season.

A week later, on 24 July 2026, reports linked Ndidi with a move to Al-Ittihad (also referred to as Al Diriyah). Beşiktaş confirmed the player had suffered an ankle-ligament injury and was undergoing medical assessment; Saudi representatives requested the health report before submitting a formal offer. 

By 9 August 2026, Al Diriyah was reportedly preparing an improved transfer bid for the Nigerian midfielder. As Beşiktaş considers the potential departure of their midfield anchor, the club is reportedly exploring a move for former Barcelona and AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessié on a free transfer.

On 13 August 2026, despite interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and England—including Manchester United—Ndidi is expected to remain at Beşiktaş for the 2026-27 season. While some reports noted dissatisfaction regarding his performance levels and recent fitness issues following his ankle injury, sources close to the player indicate he intends to stay in Istanbul.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-13: Wilfred Ndidi expected to remain at Besiktas despite transfer interest

Nigerian midfielder Wilfred Ndidi is expected to stay at Besiktas for the 2026-27 season despite interest from Al-Ittihad and Manchester United.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/wilfred-ndidi-expected-to-remain-at-besiktas-despite-transfer-interest

### 2026-08-09: Al Diriyah prepares improved bid for Wilfred Ndidi

Al Diriyah is preparing a higher transfer bid for Besiktas midfielder Wilfred Ndidi after an initial €7 million offer was rejected.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/al-diriyah-prepares-improved-bid-for-wilfred-ndidi

### 2026-07-24: Wilfred Ndidi linked with move from Besiktas to Saudi club Al‑Ittihad

Nigerian midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, Besiktas contract until 2028, is being courted by Saudi club Al‑Ittihad pending medical clearance after an ankle injury.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/wilfred-ndidi-linked-with-move-from-besiktas-to-saudi-club-alittihad

### 2026-07-17: Beşiktaş rejects Saudi bid for Wilfred Ndidi, demands €10 million fee

Beşiktaş rejected Al Diriyah’s €7 million offer for Wilfred Ndidi, saying it will only consider bids around €10 million.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/beikta-rejects-saudi-bid-for-wilfred-ndidi-demands-10-million-fee

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Cite as: Beşiktaş–Saudi clubs transfer talks. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/beiktasaudi-clubs-transfer-talks