Former England and Aston Villa midfielder, Lee Andrew Hendrie, has heaped praise on Manchester United-linked Super Eagles star, Wilfred Onyinye Ndidi, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Leicester City midfielder has experienced highs and lows since joining the Foxes from KRC Genk in 2017. In a tale of time, the 28-year-old went from playing UEFA Champions League games to playing EFL Championship fixtures at the King Power Stadium.
Ndidi helped Leicester gain promotion to the English top-flight last year, only for them to suffer relegation again the following season.
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Following Leicester’s demotion, the versatile midfielder can leave the club this summer if his £9m release clause is paid, and Manchester United consider him to be an economical addition to the squad.
Following United’s interest, Hendrie highlighted the vital attributes the Super Eagles midfielder possesses and urged him to step up.
“It was only a few seasons back where we were really highlighting how important Wilfred Ndidi was for Leicester and what he did and brought to that Leicester side,” the 48-year-old said in an interview with Football League World.
“I think he’s played in different roles over the last couple of seasons, where he’s been able to play a little bit more advanced.
“So he showed that he’s got the versatility of sitting and going and joining in, where he can be a force. He’s a big physical man.”
“Obviously, he’s being linked with the likes of Everton and Manchester United, but I do feel, and I will say this: teams that get relegated, unfortunately, you’re bigger players, your key players, your more influential players will always get linked away.
“That’s the disappointment for Leicester, but, yes, I still think there’s a lot more to come from Wilf Ndidi because I don’t feel that he matched the heights of what he was a good few seasons back, where he was highly regarded.
“He’s a versatile midfielder, and there’s no surprise that clubs are looking at him,” the ex-Stoke City man concluded.
When the winter transfer window opens, Wilfred Ndidi will be 29 years old, and an opportunity to play for a club of Manchester United’s stature cannot be passed up, as it might never come up again for him.
Should the move happen, he’ll become the second Nigerian to don the jersey of the Reds after Odion Ighalo.
Like Hendrie insinuated, Ndidi has the quality to play for any team in the Premier League, alongside the versatility to play in defence and midfield. Given his asking price, a deal for him seems like a no-brainer for Ruben Amorim’s side, and his wage demands aren’t overboard.