Midfielder with 220 EPL appearances identified as Man Utd’s ‘mystery’ target as ‘elite’ summer plans revealed | OneFootball

The ‘mystery’ midfielder Manchester United pursued during the later stages of the winter transfer window has now been identified as Wilfred Ndidi.

The Red Devils are expected to revamp their midfield department in 2026, with Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba considered the main candidates to join.

However, none of the three players was available in January, so Jason Wilcox and Co. reflected on whether to sign a stopgap player to add some depth to the department during the second half of the season or keep the squad intact.

In the end, the second option prevailed, but only after extended internal talks at Carrington.

Man United considered signing Wilfred Ndidi from Besiktas

At one stage during the winter window, several sources in the media spoke about a ‘mystery’ target who could arrive to bolster the middle of the park.

But while some had identified AC Milan midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek as the ‘mystery’ profile, Fabrizio Romano was quick to deny it at the time.

On Friday, British journalist Ben Jacobs revealed during his appearance on The United Stand that the anonymous Man Utd target was Ndidi all along.

The transfer market expert added that the Red Devils held talks with Besiktas over the possibility of signing the Nigerian international, who made 220 Premier League appearances during his time at Leicester between 2017 and 2025.

The Reds considered bringing the 29-year-old on loan with an option to buy for £12 million, but they eventually opted against making the move due to several factors, including the recent tragic death of the player’s father in a car accident.

Jacobs reveals Man Utd’s summer transfer plans

Jacobs believes that United are unlikely to revisit their interest in Ndidi in the summer, but will instead pursue other profiles.

The journalist expects the Old Trafford outfit to sign two ‘elite’ midfielders, in addition to a left wingback and/or left winger, and a centre forward, in a £200 million raid.

But in the meantime, Michael Carrick has limited first-team options to work with in midfield, especially after relocating Bruno Fernandes in the No.10 role. Kobbie Mainoo and the departing Casemiro remain the first choices, with Manuel Ugarte the only alternative.