According to recent reports, Leicester City may face the departure of midfielder Wilfred Ndidi and forward Kelechi Iheanacho when the January transfer window opens.
Ndidi has been a loyal member of the team since their relegation from the top-flight last season, but Leicester City may have to accept his departure this winter. With his contract expiring at the end of the current campaign, there is a risk of losing their star midfielder for free in a few months’ time. Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, and Brentford are reportedly considering making moves for Ndidi in January.
The same predicament applies to Ndidi’s compatriot, Iheanacho. The former Manchester City player is being sought after by several clubs in the top tier and was even linked to Crystal Palace during the summer, though no transfer materialized. Since Brentford might lose their star striker Ivan Toney in January, Iheanacho has emerged as an option for the Bees up front.
Despite the interest in both players, Leicester City head coach Enzo Maresca is eager to retain them, and the club has initiated contract negotiations. However, there has been no significant progress in this regard so far.
Currently, Ndidi’s market value stands at £15.6 million, down from £21.6 million in the summer, while Iheanacho is valued at the same amount. Their combined worth amounts to £31.2 million. If Leicester City fails to secure new contracts for the duo, there is a real possibility of losing them for free at the end of the season. In this case, the club would hope to recoup some funds by selling them in January.
Nevertheless, the potential loss of two key players could have a detrimental impact on the team. Therefore, it is crucial for Leicester City to acquire suitable replacements to navigate the challenges that might arise from their potential departures.
