Wilfred Ndidi was the hero of the night when Tranmere Rovers hosted Leicester in an EPL Cup round 2 clash.
Ndidi came on as a substitute a minute after the break and made all the difference for the Foxes who dominated the game but could not find the breakthrough.
However, it could be the last time we see the Nigerian don the number 25 jersey.
Per multiple reports, the Nigeria international is on his way out of King Power Stadium, with Nottingham Forest as the highly probable destination.
Is Ndidi's EFL Cup goal against Tranmere a farewell gift to the Foxes?
Even though the Nigerian international came on at the start of the second half, his contribution to the game was impactful, firing Leicester to a crucial win in round 2 of the EFL Cup.
He was undoubtedly the most outstanding Foxes player against Tranmere in the second half, scoring the opener from a right-footed low drive from the corner of the six-yard box and contributing to Vardy's effort that doubled the lead for the Foxes.
The second-half appearance in the EFL Cup fixture could be Ndidi's final game for the Foxes after 6 years at King Power!
The lowdown on #TRALEI as the Foxes head back into the hat for the Carabao Cup Third Round 🔢
— Leicester City (@LCFC) August 29, 2023
Nine minutes after coming on, Wilfred Ndidi slotted home a cool finish from the edge of the box. Four minutes later, Jamie Vardy doubled the lead from close range after receiving a right-footed cross from the Nigerian.
Both goals were scored in front of the travelling fans.
For Wilred Ndidi, it was not only a great way to ice the cake after 6 years with the Foxes but also a special gift to the supporters who responded with thunderous applause.
Deal with Nottingham closer than ever
While the 2023 summer transfer window is nearing closure, we still could see several high-profile transfers completed in the final days and hours.
Nottingham's Steve Cooper is reportedly keen on bolstering his midfield in the 2023/24 PL season and Wilfred Ndid is a prime target for the tactician.
Ndidi has reportedly agreed to personal terms with Nottingham Forest, so what remains is for the club to send a bid to Leicester before official negotiations can begin.
EXCLUSIVE: Nottingham Forest set to bid for Wilfred Ndidi, proposal expected to be submitted soon for Nigerian DM as he’s top target 🚨🔴🌳 #NFFC
Understand personal terms have been agreed and negotiations will now start between clubs.
Forest will push to make it happen. pic.twitter.com/l9ionCDLaq
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 27, 2023
Italian Journalist and transfer specialist, Fabrizio Romano, reports that Forest are expected to formalize the discussions with an official Wildred Ndidi transfer bid in the coming hours.
Romano reveals that the deal could be done before or on deadline day.
A quick review of Ndidi's Leicester stats
Wilfred Ndidi signed up for Leicester in January 2017, for a fee of around €17.6 million, having switched from the Belgian side, KRC Genk.
However, a dip form has made first-team opportunities hard to come by for the Nigerian international.
The last time that the Super Eagles midfielder scored a League goal for Leicester was in January 2021 when they faced Chelsea at King Power Stadium.
However, he has been an instrumental player for the Foxes, especially in the midfield. The 26-year-old has always come through to deliver when given a chance.
So, despite the goal-draught, Ndidi's consistency is something Nottingham needs to avoid a relegation battle that nearly took them down last season.
Notably, Ndidi's most recent goals for the Foxes have been in the EFL Cup. He has now scored in two consecutive EFL Cup fixtures.
The midfielder scored against Burton on 9th August in Round 1 of the EFL Cup after an assist from compatriot Kelechi Iheanacho. Iheanacho scored the opener in that game.
He has so far made four Championship appearances since the Foxes were relegated to the second tier last season.
Moreover, Ndidi scored 7 goals and provided 9 assists for Leicester in the Premier League since joining them in 2017.
He scored 1 goal for the Foxes in 4 Europa League appearances and had another four UCL appearances in his debut season.
This article was most recently revised and updated 1 year ago