Ndidi's £9m Release Clause Has United and Everton Circling Like Vultures

By Lewis Barnett 25 June, 2025 5 mins read 34 Views

So here's the thing about relegation clauses - they're basically Christmas morning for Premier League clubs with tight budgets.

Wilfried Ndidi, Leicester's 28-year-old midfield destroyer, is apparently available for just £9 million this summer thanks to the Foxes' spectacular Championship nosedive. And guess who's sniffing around? Manchester United and Everton, according to TalkSPORT.

Nine million quid. For a player who was literally a free agent last summer before Leicester convinced him to stick around with a three-year deal.

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United's Bargain Basement Summer

Listen, everyone knows United are operating on a shoestring budget this window. No European football for teh first time since 2015 means no European money. Simple math that even the Glazers can understand.

My mate who covers United transfers texted me yesterday: "They're shopping in the clearance section and pretending it's strategy." Harsh but probably accurate.

Ndidi's fee makes perfect sense when you're trying to rebuild a midfield on the cheap. Especially with Casemiro's Saudi Arabia rumors getting louder by the day. The Brazilian's legs are gone, everyone knows it, and Amorim needs bodies who can actually run for 90 minutes.

Why Everton Even Bothers Anymore

Poor Everton. They've been linked with every relegated player's release clause since about 2019. It's become their entire transfer strategy - wait for teams to go down, then swoop in like bargain hunters at a closing sale.

But here's the weird part: Ndidi actually makes sense for them. Sean Dyche loves a proper defensive midfielder, and the Nigerian definitely fits that bill. Plus £9m is basically pocket change in today's market - that's what clubs spend on backup goalkeepers now.

The Toffees were reportedly interested last summer too, along with United, before Ndidi decided to stick with Leicester for their Championship adventure. How'd that work out?

The Saudi Wild Card Nobody Talks About

Here's where it gets interesting. Saudi clubs are apparently circling too, and they're not exactly known for their budget constraints.

Ndidi's 28, which is prime Saudi recruitment age - experienced enough to add credibility, young enough to not be completely washed up. If they come calling with their usual ridiculous wages, both United adn Everton might as well pack up and go home.

I've seen this movie before. European clubs get excited about a bargain, then some Saudi side offers the player triple his current wages and suddenly everyone's "considering their options."

The Numbers Don't Lie (But They Don't Tell Everything)

Ndidi managed 28 Premier League appearances last season with five assists. Not exactly Ballon d'Or material, but solid enough for a team that got relegated.

The real question is whether he's still got the legs for Premier League football. Leicester's midfield looked like they were running through treacle half the season - was that the system or the players?

United have already splashed £62.5m on Matheus Cunha from Wolves this summer and they're chasing Brentford's Bryan Mbuemo for another £60m+. Adding Ndidi for £9m would actually show some smart business for once.

Reality Check Time

Look, Ndidi isn't going to solve anyone's problems overnight. He's a decent defensive midfielder who's available cheap because his team couldn't stay in the Premier League.

But sometimes that's exactly what you need. United's midfield has been a disaster zone for years, and Everton... well, they're Everton. A reliable, experienced player for £9m isn't the worst gamble either club could make.

The smart money says this drags on until deadline day, Leicester get desperate for the cash, and whoever bids first wins. Classic summer transfer window stuff.

Just don't expect fireworks. This is pure necessity shopping, not the kind of signing that gets fans excited. But hey, sometimes boring is exactly what you need.

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