Turkish giants Beşiktaş JK are reportedly preparing for a major squad overhaul that could see Nigerian midfielder Wilfred Ndidi and defender Felix Uduokhai leave the club ahead of the 2026/27 season.
The Istanbul-based side is said to be reviewing its squad as part of a broader restructuring plan aimed at complying with Turkish football’s foreign player quota regulations while also reducing wage expenses.
Foreign Player Rules Force Tough Decisions
Ndidi, who joined Besiktas from Leicester City in the summer of 2025, quickly established himself as a key figure in the team’s midfield. However, his importance to the squad may not be enough to guarantee his place as the club looks to free up foreign player slots.
According to reports from Turkish outlet Fanatik, manager Vincenzo Italiano has identified both Ndidi and Uduokhai as players who could be moved on as part of the club’s restructuring efforts.
The foreign player quota system in Turkish football has often forced clubs into difficult personnel decisions, with established international stars frequently sacrificed to make room for new signings.
Saudi Clubs Monitoring Ndidi’s Situation
Ndidi’s uncertain future has already attracted interest from abroad, with several clubs in Saudi Arabia reportedly keeping a close watch on developments ahead of a potential summer transfer move.
Despite the growing speculation, the Nigerian international is expected to report for pre-season training on June 28, meaning no final decision has yet been made regarding his future.
Besiktas are expected to reach a conclusion on the futures of affected players before the start of the new season, as Italiano prepares to submit a revised squad list that aligns with both the club’s sporting ambitions and league regulations.
With transfer interest beginning to emerge, the coming weeks could prove crucial in determining whether Ndidi remains in Istanbul or embarks on a new chapter elsewhere.
