Wilfred Ndidi has admitted he was flattered to read rumours linking him with a move to Liverpool in the summer.
The Reds were linked with a move for the Leicester midfielder in March, with Guinea’s Centpourcentfoot journalist Alpha Balde claiming, as cited by the Liverpool Echo, that the Reds would need to pay a huge figure to tempt the Foxes’ hand.
Speaking in an interview with Goal, Ndidi said: “I am flattered when hearing such a thing, It is very good to hear about that interest from big clubs, but there is nothing on the ground so I won’t care about it.
“I am focusing on AFCON with Nigeria now, and then pre-season with Leicester City. We have a great manager with ambition to compete with big clubs in the Premier League.”
Ndidi’s latest admission could prove that any move is off the table for the Nigerian international, who arrived in the Premier League from Genk in 2017 for £15.7million.
The 22-year-old enjoyed a phenomenal season in the heart of midfield, averaging nearly four tackles per game (3.8), while also making 2.2 interceptions per-game in the Premier League. [WhoScored]
OPINION
Of course, a potential move to any of England’s top four is a huge appeal to any player in the world. The chance to play in one of the most competitive leagues in the world is usually something most cannot turn down. The fact that Ndidi has been in the top flight for two seasons now and still admits to being flattered over the links proves the 22-year-old may have the ambition to move on in the next couple of years should Leicester not start to perform better. Ndidi would be a great introduction into the Reds’ midfield in the coming years, and a potential replacement for James Milner who could be leaving the club soon or just simply calling an end to his career. The Nigerian’s defensive stats speak for themselves and his dominance on and off the ball would be a welcome addition next to either Fabinho and Giorgino Wijnaldum. As it stands, for now, it looks like Ndidi will remain at the Foxes, but his admission will stick with Liverpool for the foreseeable future with a potential future move definitely on the cards.
