Ruud van Nistelrooy gives defiant answer on Wilfred Ndidi transfer out of Leicester City
Wilfred Ndidi is not for sale, Ruud van Nistelrooy declared, even as the Leicester City midfielder attracts interest from Monaco.
On Thursday, L’Equipe reported that Champions League outfit Monaco were eyeing a loan-to-buy deal for the Nigerian after their attempt to sign Edson Alvarez from West Ham fell through. But van Nistelrooy was adamant that City would not be letting the 28-year-old leave.
He sees him as an important part of the club’s survival bid and is keen to welcome him back from a hamstring injury that has kept him out for a month and a half. City have lost every Premier League game they’ve played since Ndidi has been ruled out.
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Asked if he would be willing to let Ndidi go, the City manager replied: “No, of course not. Wilfred is a key player and person in the squad and in the club and I’m glad he is nearly there to help the team again.
“We know how much we’ve missed him and we know we need him. Wilf is key in the coming months, a key part of this team that can get us out of this situation.”
While Ndidi’s form plummeted in City’s relegation campaign, he rediscovered it to some extent last season, playing in a more advanced role under Enzo Maresca. This season, he had started every Premier League fixture up to his injury, Steve Cooper switching him between attacking and defensive roles, with van Nistelrooy using him solely in his more traditional position in front of the back four.
But while van Nistelrooy says Ndidi isn’t going, there could still be exits at the club this month. They have sold Tom Cannon to Sheffield United for £10m, but City need further exits if they are to make room for new signings. Woyo Coulibaly’s arrival means they have now filled all 25 available spots in their Premier League squad.
