According to a recent report from Soccernet.ng, Barcelona are interested in signing Leicester City’s outstanding Nigerian midfielder Wilfred Ndidi.
However, this pursuit will put Barcelona in competition with La Liga rivals Sevilla and Serie A powerhouse Juventus for the Nigeria international.
Barcelona’s history with African players over the past decade has not always ended positively. Take Alex Song, for example. His promising career took a downturn after he moved to Barcelona in 2012.
Song showed talent at Arsenal, but his time at Barcelona was marked by limited minutes and a move away from his preferred role, playing center field rather than in a creative midfield position. It was often placed as a back. p>
Despite the lack of playing time, Son took comfort in the financial gains and trophies and expressed little concern about his limited opportunities at Barcelona.
“When FC Barcelona offered me a contract and I saw how much I could earn, I thought about it without hesitation.
“I thought my wife and children should have a comfortable life. When I met the sporting director, he said I wouldn’t play many games, but I I didn’t care. I knew I was going to be a millionaire,” he said, as previously quoted by Eurosport.
A similar scenario happened to Franck Kessier. Franck Kessié moved to Barcelona on a free transfer after enjoying success with AC Milan, but he did not receive enough playing time there and was eventually transferred to Al Ahly of the Saudi Professional League. has decided to transfer.
Other African stars, including Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Abde Ezarzouri, Ilaix Moriba and Kevin-Prince Boateng, also faced challenges finding significant minutes at Barcelona.
Ndidi, who enjoyed success at the King Power Stadium, is likely to find limited opportunities at Barcelona. Leicester’s form and impressive performances in the Premier League could also deter a move where playing time may not be as certain.
Ndidi has options remaining, with interest from Barcelona, Sevilla and Juventus, but the historic challenges African players face in securing consistent playing time at Camp Nou Considering the challenges, his move to Barcelona is definitely not possible.
