Besiktas midfielder reveals what has impressed him most about new signing Ndidi

Speaking at Wednesday's press conference ahead of the Conference League third qualifying second round clash with St Patrick’s Athletic, Besiktas youngster Demir Ege Tıknaz lauded new signing Wilfred Ndidi.

The midfielder highlighted the Nigeria international's athleticism and expressed confidence in his ability to make a significant impact on the team.

Ndidi ended an eight-year association with Leicester City after completing his move to Besiktas last week, signing a three-year deal with a club option for the 2028-2029 season.

Before his move to the Black Eagles, the Nath Boys academy graduate earned widespread acclaim as one of the finest defensive midfielders in English football.

Tıknaz admitted that the Besiktas squad has not had much time to work with the former Leicester City midfielder since his arrival but believes Ndidi's qualities are already evident.

"We haven't spent much time with him. But from what I've seen in training, he's a very athletic player," he told reporters. 

"He will definitely contribute a lot to the team."

Although Ndidi joined his new teammates in training on Monday, he is unlikely to make his competitive debut for the Istanbul giants on Thursday as UEFA's deadline for submitting the List A squad for all matches in the Conference League third qualifying round expired at 24:00 CET on August 1, 2025.

However, clubs are permitted to register up to two new eligible players on List A after the deadline, provided the quota of locally trained players is maintained.

Ndidi is no stranger to the Conference League, having featured four times for Leicester City in the competition, where he directly participated in two goals.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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