Man United gets chance to sign Wilfred Ndidi as Ngenge joins Leeds

Nigeria's Wilfred Ndidi celebrates after the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group C football match between Nigeria and Tunisia at Fez Stadium in Fez on December 27, 2025. (Photo by Abdel Majid BZIOUAT / AFP)

Following his outstanding displays at the just-concluded Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, Super Eagles Captain, Wilfred Ndidi, has become one of the most sought-after players in the ongoing transfer window.
 
The former European champions, according to sportsview.co.uk, have discussed signing Ndidi, who currently plays for Besiktas in the Turkish league.
  
Man United head coach Michael Carrick could do with additions in the middle of the pack at Old Trafford, and the Red Devils are eyeing some players.
 
Ndidi played 220 Premier League games for Leicester and is open to returning to England.
 
The 29-year-old proved his quality again at the just-concluded Africa Cup of Nations, helping Nigeria get to the semifinal.
 
A move to Man United could tempt him, but the Red Devils have also been offered the chance to sign AC Milan midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
 
They want to sign a midfielder on loan to boost their chances of securing Champions League football for next term.
 
However, it remains to be seen whether Loftus-Cheek or Ndidi would be open to such a short-term move, and including an option for a permanent move in the deal could make it more attractive.
 
Journalist and transfer insider Ben Jacobs claimed last Friday that Man United had held talks to sign a midfielder on loan until the end of the season.
 
He did not disclose the identity of the player in question but claimed he has Premier League experience and is currently playing outside of England.
 
Ndidi is not the only Super Eagles AFCON star being sought after by European clubs.
 
According to reports, Sheffield United have joined Valencia, Coventry and Birmingham in asking for Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka, who is available this window.
 
Brentford would consider a loan with an option to buy on promotion for the Championship sides or a permanent sale.

 Meanwhile, Leeds United has signed Nigeria’s Leonard Ngenge.
  
Ngenge, who has played twice for the Super Eagles, is beginning his Leeds career from the academy set-up.
 
The 18-year-old centre-back joins from Remo Stars FC, which he helped to win the Nigerian league title last season.
 
He made his international debut aged 17 in a 1-0 defeat to Senegal at the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN), playing the full 90 minutes. He then featured for 45 minutes in a 4-0 loss to Sudan a week later before sitting on the bench against Congo seven days on.
 
Ngenge did not make Nigeria’s AFCON squad, but Leeds have seen enough from the teenager to bring him to Thorp Arch. The 2007-born defender played 25 times for Remo’s league rivals Ikorodu City before his summer switch, having made seven senior appearances this term.
 
Ngenge, who turned 18 in September, had been contacted by Leeds during last season. Should he play for the under-21s, he could feature alongside 37-year-old player-coach Jonny Howson.
 
A statement from Leeds United said: “Leeds United are pleased to announce the signing of Leonard Ngenge, who joins the club’s Academy after penning a deal until the end of the 2026/27 season.
 
“The defender makes the move to West Yorkshire from his native Nigeria, having made seven appearances in all competitions this term for Remo Stars FC.
 
“The centre-back has featured twice for his country at senior level, making his debut in a clash with Senegal last year before also facing Sudan. Everyone at Leeds United would like to welcome Leonard to the club, where he will link up with the Academy setup.”

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