Wilfred Ndidi has taken his first steps in a Besiktas shirt after joining the Turkish giants from Leicester City in an €8m move last week, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Nigeria international linked up with his new teammates for training on Monday, August 11, as the club continued preparations for Thursday’s UEFA Conference League third qualifying round second leg against St. Patrick’s Athletic. Besiktas hold a comfortable advantage after winning the first leg in Dublin.
Ndidi, 28, was put through his paces in a session led by manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, featuring a mix of fitness drills, possession exercises, and tactical shape work. Training began with light runs before moving into 5-v-2 rondos, and concluded with an intensive double-goal tactical game.
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Wilfred Ndidi in Besiktas training (Photos)
The midfielder was not the only high-profile figure on the pitch. Former Chelsea and AC Milan striker Tammy Abraham, who scored a hat-trick in the first leg against St. Patrick’s, was also in action. While Abraham has Nigerian roots, he represents England at senior international level.
Ndidi’s move to Istanbul brings an end to an eight-and-a-half-year stay at Leicester City, where he made 303 appearances, scored 18 goals, and played a key role in some of the club’s greatest modern successes. His time at the King Power Stadium included winning the FA Cup and Community Shield, as well as helping the Foxes back to the Premier League in the 2023-24 season following relegation.
Last season, Leicester suffered a second drop to the Championship in just three years, prompting Ndidi to seek a new challenge.
Besiktas, who last lifted the Super Lig title in 2021, are aiming to reclaim domestic dominance this season.
Ndidi is expected to bring steel and composure to their midfield, and could make his debut in Thursday’s European clash before turning his focus to Sunday’s league meeting with Eyupspor.
For Ndidi, the immediate task is to adapt quickly to Turkish football and form a strong partnership with his new teammates as the club battles on multiple fronts.