After being linked with the midfielder last summer, Celtic have the possibility to sign an ex-Man United and Real Madrid target for free and reconcile him with his old boss.
Celtic have the opportunity to act on their long-held interest in former Leicester midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, who became a free agent this summer.
Ndidi was linked with some of Europe’s biggest clubs following his spectacular performances for the Foxes in the Premier League. Leicester reportedly valued him at £52 million in 2021.
Now, following a season in the Championship in which he won the league title, the midfielder has left the club as his contract expired.
Reuniting with his former boss in Glasgow is one option for Ndidi, who piqued the club’s interest after Brendan Rodgers returned to Celtic last summer.
Ndidi was signed by Leicester in 2017 from Belgian side Genk and played under the current Celtic boss for four years, enjoying FA Cup success in the meantime.
Speaking to Leicester Mercury when he joined the club after his first stint in charge of Celtic, Rodgers praised Ndidi, stating: “He’s obviously a player that’s got the good athletic ability and works very hard.
“I always have that sort of player, a clear, controlling player in the game. Sometimes, they’re a defensive type like him that can really press the game and play simply, or sometimes, it’s a more creative player, a playmaker from behind.
“He’s got so much talent and been very impressive. He covers the ground so fast. His anticipation is very good, he reads the game, smells the danger, and to have that type of player in there, it’s very important.”
Now back with the Bhoys, Rodgers has the opportunity to reconcile with his former enforcer, who sparked a lot of interest during his time at Leicester under the Northern Irishman.
As recently as 2023, it was claimed that Real Madrid might want the midfielder as holding cover, while Manchester United had a long-standing interest in signing the Nigerian while he was playing in the Premier League.
There is no doubt that Ndidi would be a coup for the Scottish champions, but given the positive relationship he has formed with Rodgers, the move may be on the cards.