There was a lot of optimism around Celtic’s transfer plans earlier in the summer when Brendan Rodgers was reappointed. Rumours had suggested that the club were ready to hand the Northern Irishman a big budget to strengthen the squad and were looking to make additions who would help them take a step forward in Europe.
As we all know by now, things did not play out that way. Instead, Celtic signed a number of highly-rated youngsters with a lot of potential but not proven players.
They were linked with quite a few high-profile names throughout the summer. One of them was Wilfred Ndidi of Leicester City.
He had played several years under the management of Rodgers at Leicester City. And with the Foxes dropping down to the Championship this season, a move to Celtic did make sense on paper. But after some of the Nigerian’s recent comments, it looks like there was never much to the rumours.
Celtic-linked player claims he laughed at exit rumours
As reported by Leicestershire Live, when asked on BBC Radio Leicester’s When You’re Smiling Podcast if Ndidi ever thought that he would leave Leicester City in the summer, he said:
"“To be honest no.“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.”"
Celtic did go on to sign quite a few midfielders over the course of the summer but none with the experience or proven quality of someone like Ndidi. That being said, the Nigerian has faced his own struggles in recent years as he has had to deal with injury problems and they have taken a toll on his all-action style for sure.
So, it is unclear whether Ndidi would have been a good signing for Celtic or not. He is no longer the player he was a few years ago. On top of his game, he would have walked into the starting XI with eyes closed. Would he these days?