Barcelona weighing up free transfer swoop for 26-year-old Nigerian midfielder

As has been the case in the past few transfer windows, Barcelona will once again have their sights set on the free-agent pool when the summer of 2024 rolls in.

Given the club’s far-from-ideal financial situation, the La Liga champions will again be looking for bargains and market opportunities to strengthen their squad and already have identified some players with expiring contracts as potential targets.

Guido Rodriguez of Real Betis had been touted as an option, but recent reports suggest that a move for the Argentine has been ruled out.

Athletic Club’s Nico Williams is a player who appears to be high on the Catalans’ wishlist, although he might be leaning towards signing a renewal.

Wilfred Ndidi on Barcelona’s radars

Now, SPORT is reporting that Barcelona have their sights set on another potential free agent for 2024 in the form of Wilfred Ndidi of Leicester City.

The 26-year-old Nigerian international is set to become a free agent next summer as his contract with the Foxes is set to expire.

And, Barça are closely monitoring his situation as they weigh up a possible move to snap him up on a Bosman deal.

A proven performer, Ndidi has enjoyed success in the Premier League and is currently performing very well in the EFL Championship following Leicester’s relegation.

An old flame

This is not the first time that Barcelona have shown an interest in Ndidi.

The La Liga champions had made an approach for the 26-year-old a few seasons ago, but were put off by the Foxes’ asking price of €70 million.

But now that he could be available for free, the Blaugrana are understood to be interested, given that he is a reliable and proven defensive midfielder.

But there is likely to be competition for Ndidi’s services come summer as clubs such as Bayern Munich, Juventus, and Atletico Madrid had already shown an interest in him this year and could return in 2024.