Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi remains a top Saudi target, with Al Diriyah preparing a fresh bid after their initial €7m offer for the Besiktas midfielder was turned down.
Sources say the Saudi club will return in the coming days with an improved proposal, determined to land the Nigerian before the transfer window closes.
The deal has a domino effect in Istanbul. Besiktas have put the signing of Cote d’Ivoire captain Franck Kessie on hold, making it conditional on Ndidi’s sale to free up funds and squad space.
Ndidi, 28, was not central to Besiktas’ plans on Thursday, coming on late in their 1-0 UEFA Europa League qualifying win over Hradec Kralove. The cameo underlined his uncertain status as negotiations continue.
With Al Diriyah pushing and Besiktas needing the cash, Ndidi’s summer move looks increasingly likely.
