Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness has revealed that Leicester City’s impending loss of Wilfried Ndidi is a significant blow to their survival hopes in the Premier League. Wyness, who now runs a football consultancy, believes that the Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) are responsible for Leicester’s inability to retain the midfielder, allowing Everton to sign him on a free transfer.
Ndidi, a 27-year-old Nigeria international, has rejected a new deal at Leicester and is set to leave the club when his contract expires on June 30. Everton has offered him terms, and he is reportedly keen to join the Toffees and work under manager Sean Dyche.
Wyness, speaking on the Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, sympathized with Leicester’s situation, acknowledging that the club’s financial constraints have forced them to let go of a key player. He praised Ndidi as a “seasoned Premier League player with real talent” and stated that his departure would be a significant loss for Leicester.
The former CEO also criticized the PSR, which he believes unfairly penalizes promoted clubs like Leicester. He pointed out that clubs like Manchester United, with significant debt, are not subject to the same scrutiny, making it difficult for smaller clubs to compete.
Wyness’s comments come as Leicester faces a double points deduction blow, which could further jeopardize their survival chances in the Premier League. The Foxes’ situation highlights the challenges faced by promoted clubs in maintaining their top-flight status while navigating the complexities of the PSR.
In conclusion, the impending departure of Wilfried Ndidi from Leicester City to Everton is a significant blow to the Foxes’ survival hopes in the Premier League. The situation underscores the challenges faced by promoted clubs in retaining their best talent while navigating the financial constraints imposed by the Profit and Sustainability Rules.