According to Spanish media outlet Sport, Barcelona have identified Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi as a potential transfer target.
The Spanish champions continue to scour the free agent market as their financial situation worsens.
Xavi Hernández’s side currently lead La Liga with 16 points out of a possible 18, but have plans to improve the first team going forward.
The 26-year-old is considered a viable option if a new midfielder is sought in January or next summer.
Leicester have seen a number of key midfielders leave the club in recent months, so it remains to be seen whether they are willing to buy the Nigerian.
What is the latest news regarding Wilfred Ndidi’s future at Leicester City?
Ndidi has entered the final year of his contract, meaning he could become a free agent in the summer of 2024.
No contractual agreement has been reached with the Foxes to extend his current deal, so a move away from the King Power Stadium is certainly a possibility.
The player will be able to negotiate pre-contracts next summer with foreign clubs as soon as the January transfer window opens.
It was reported that Bayern Munich were put off by the price offered in the previous transfer window, due to the remaining term of his contract.
Atletico Madrid and Juventus are also said to be monitoring the situation surrounding the midfielder.
Ndidi signed for Leicester in 2017 from Belgian club Genk for £15 million.
He has been a key figure in the team for many years, helping the club to consecutive fifth-place finishes in the Premier League and contributing greatly to the team’s FA Cup win in 2021.
How has Wilfred Ndidi behaved this season?
Ndidi has made eight appearances this season for Enzo Maresca’s side
Leicester is aiming to challenge for direct promotion to the Premier League this season after being relegated last season
The Nigerian has started six of his eight appearances, scoring one goal.
The Foxes are currently the leading team in the tournament with an impressive score of 21 out of 24 points available.
The gap with 3rd place is only 1 point, showing how fierce the race for automatic promotion will be this year.
Next up for Leicester is a clash at Anfield to face Liverpool in round 3 of this year’s EFL Cup.
Does Wilfred Ndidi have a future at Leicester City?
Ndidi has all the leverage at the moment, as his contract expires this year allowing him to leave Leicester as a free agent.
If a club like Barcelona comes knocking, it’s hard to see them turning down an offer to stay at Leicester
Even if the club wins promotion this season, moving to Camp Nou is a huge opportunity that they may never have again.
However, Barcelona are in a precarious financial situation so it remains to be seen whether they will definitely make an offer for the 26-year-old.