Barcelona plan SHOCK free transfer move

Cameron Smith

26 Sept 2023 13:18 BST
3 min read

Barcelona are set to pursue a free transfer move for Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi if the Nigerian does not renew his contract at the King Power Stadium, according to reports.

Article continues under the video

Ndidi, 26, is set to become a free agent in 2024 when his current deal at Leicester expires, and Xavi is reportedly hoping to add him to Barcelona’s squad next summer.

The Leicester star was previously linked with a move to Barcelona a few years ago, but the Spanish giants decided against pursuing a deal due to Leicester’s reported €70 million asking price.

However, now he is set to be available on a free transfer in 2024, and Sport have reported that Barca have set their sights on signing him. They are set to monitor his progress this season ahead of a potential Bosman deal.

Atletico Madrid, Juventus and Bayern Munich have all shown interest in Ndidi this year, so Barcelona are unlikely to be the only club keen on landing the Nigeria international next summer.

Ndidi has scored three goals and provided one assist in 10 appearances for Leicester this season, with Enzo Maresca deploying him in a slightly more advanced role than previously.

EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal director Edu in discussions with Ollie Watkins' agent over January move

Another free transfer for Barcelona?

The Blaugrana have utilised the free transfer market extremely well in recent years - mostly through necessity rather than choice - with a total of seven players moving to Camp Nou as a free agent since 2021.

Ilkay Gundogan, Franck Kessie and Andreas Christensen are among the players to have joined Barcelona on a free transfer over the past three seasons.

Midfield is clearly seen as an area that can be upgraded by the Barcelona hierarchy as Ndidi is joined by Royal Antwerp’s wonderkid Arthur Vermeeren on their transfer wish list.

However, like with Ndidi, Barca aren’t the only club interested in signing the talented 18-year-old.