Saudi Pro League champions reportedly turn attention to the Nigerian midfielder as Eintracht Frankfurt move closer to signing Raphael Onyedika.
Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad have reportedly redirected their transfer efforts toward Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi after failing to secure meaningful progress in negotiations for fellow Nigerian midfielder Raphael Onyedika.
The Jeddah-based club are actively searching for a replacement for Brazilian midfielder Fabinho, whose departure at the end of last season created a vacancy in the heart of their midfield.
Onyedika was initially identified as one of Al-Ittihad’s preferred transfer targets following another impressive campaign with Belgian champions Club Brugge. However, discussions failed to advance, with the Belgian side reportedly unconvinced by the Saudi club’s approach.
Meanwhile, German Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt appear to have taken the lead in the race for the Nigerian international after reportedly reaching a verbal agreement on personal terms with the player. Negotiations with Club Brugge over a transfer fee are said to be ongoing.
According to Turkish publication Fanatik, via Goal, Al-Ittihad have now turned their attention to Besiktas midfielder Wilfred Ndidi.
The report claims the Saudi champions have submitted a bid worth €12.5 million in an attempt to sign the 29-year-old Nigerian international during the current transfer window.
Ndidi is understood to be one of several midfielders being considered as Al-Ittihad seek to reinforce their squad before the start of the new Saudi Pro League campaign.
Other names reportedly under consideration include Morocco international Sofyan Amrabat, Egypt midfielder Marwan Attia, and Raphael Onyedika.
Unlike Onyedika, who is believed to be close to completing a move to Germany, Ndidi brings extensive experience after spending eight seasons with Leicester City before joining Turkish giants Besiktas in 2025.
The Super Eagles skipper enjoyed a solid debut campaign in Turkey, making 31 appearances, scoring two goals, and providing one assist across all competitions.
Reports indicate that Club Brugge were unwilling to accept Al-Ittihad’s initial proposal for Onyedika, believing the offer did not reflect the midfielder’s value after three successful seasons in Belgium.
Frankfurt’s long-standing interest also appears to have influenced the player’s next move, with the Bundesliga club having monitored the Nigerian midfielder for more than a year.
Onyedika is also believed to favour remaining in Europe, where regular football in one of the continent’s top leagues could strengthen his preparations for Nigeria’s upcoming international commitments, including the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
With negotiations for Onyedika now appearing to favour Frankfurt, Al-Ittihad have reportedly intensified their pursuit of Ndidi as they continue their search for an experienced midfield anchor ahead of the 2026/27 season.