Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi may once again become the subject of transfer interest in the upcoming January window. Despite a challenging previous season resulting in relegation from the Premier League, the Foxes have made a strong start in the Championship and are positioned well for a swift return to the top flight.
While suffering a recent 1-0 defeat to Middlesbrough, Leicester remains at the top of the Championship table, maintaining an eight-point lead over third-placed Leeds United. As they prepare to face Watford, the immediate focus is on extending their lead, but attention may soon shift to the looming January transfer window.
Wilfred Ndidi, a pivotal midfielder for Leicester, attracted interest from Nottingham Forest, Bayern Munich, and Celtic during the summer transfer window. Although the Foxes successfully retained him, Ndidi’s contract expires at the end of the season, leaving the possibility of a January departure.
The team’s dip in form has coincided with Ndidi’s absence due to a muscle injury, emphasizing his importance to the squad. With potential uncertainty around Ndidi’s contract situation, Leicester could turn to Dennis Praet as a replacement.
Praet, who joined Leicester in 2019, has struggled to secure a regular spot in the starting lineup and spent the previous season on loan at Torino. Despite his challenges, manager Enzo Maresca has expressed admiration for Praet’s technical abilities, considering him the ideal partner for Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in midfield.
Having started two of the team’s first three games this season before a back injury, Praet is set to return to training. Maresca envisions a significant role for Praet, emphasizing his technical prowess and ability to navigate small spaces. If Praet can regain his form, Leicester may find reassurance in his potential as a regular starter for the rest of the season, alleviating concerns about Ndidi’s possible departure in January.
Leicester’s manager hopes Praet can follow in the footsteps of other players who revitalized their careers in the Championship. If Praet proves effective, it may provide Leicester with a strategic option—potentially cashing in on Ndidi in January rather than risking losing him for free in the summer.
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