Star man finally addresses Leicester City transfer speculation as midfielder left laughing

The latest Leicester City news as the midfielder was linked with a move to Nottingham Forest in the final days of the summer transfer window.

The Nigeria international was linked with a move away from the club in the final days of the summer transfer window. It was reported that Forest had made a bid for him and that Ndidi wanted to move across the East Midlands.

That transfer never materialised, with Forest instead completing a deadline day deal for Ibrahim Sangare. Ndidi continued to be picked in Enzo Maresca’s starting XI despite the speculation over his future, and has featured in every game in all competitions so far this season.

Speaking about the speculation over his future in the summer, Ndidi has outlined a chat he had with Maresca. He also revealed his reaction to suggestions that he wanted to leave City.

“To be honest no,” he told BBC Radio Leicester’s When You’re Smiling Podcast when asked if he ever thought that he would leave the club in the summer. “Because when he (Maresca) came, he tried to explain his philosophy and also the simplicity of the game and I just feel like it’s something I can actually learn from.

“I’ve been open minded to try and learn more on his philosophy and his style of game and it’s been going well. I’m happy that I’m here.

“There’s no time that I wanted to leave. Sometimes I saw the news and I was just laughing because it wasn’t true.”

In Maresca’s system, Ndidi is adapting to a new position, the 26-year-old changing from a defensive midfielder to a more attacking number eight role. It’s bringing its rewards, with Ndidi already scoring three times this campaign, including a composed finish against Southampton. It’s a change that the player himself is enjoying.

“It’s been good, it’s the other side of my game,” he added. “As a child growing up I’ve always been a central defender and then turning into a number six and now enjoying the number eight position.

“It’s just the way I am, having an open mind to play any position I can possibly play on the pitch. Just trying to enjoy football, be myself and enjoy football.”