"I really do feel" - Exclusive: Sky Sports pundit tips Leicester City exit as new revelation emerges | OneFootball

Lee Hendrie has tipped long-serving Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi to depart the King Power Stadium this summer.

Sky Sports pundit and former Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie has backed Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi to leave the club in the summer.

It's been revealed that the Nigerian midfielder has a £9m relegation release clause in his Foxes contract, which has now become active following his side's relegation to the Championship.

Just five years ago, Ndidi was reportedly on the radar of Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain, with Leicester demanding a fee of £45m for their star midfielder.

Now, he could be heading out of the door at the King Power Stadium for less than he was bought for in 2016. The Nigerian international reportedly cost the Foxes £17m from Genk in December 2016, eventually joining the club the following month.

Following his side's promotion to the Premier League last term, Ndidi extended his contract until 2027, but had a release clause worth £9m if his side were once again relegated. With that fate being confirmed, someone could look to snag a bargain for the experienced midfielder this summer.

Lee Hendrie expects Wilfred Ndidi to leave Leicester City

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, former Villa star turned Sky Sports pundit Hendrie weighed in on Ndidi's situation at Leicester, and was asked if he thinks another club will activate his release clause.

The 47-year-old told FLW: “I was a big fan of him [when he was] playing in the Premier League. I know that he’s had injuries at times.

“I really do feel that the £9m will be met by someone and that’s the thing you have to look at.

“Clubs that have been promoted, I’m sure he’ll be on the radar of every one of them because of the position he plays, and can play. He can play holding, and he can go and get himself forward.

“I just feel that Leicester have lost their way [in the] last few seasons, and they haven’t been able to bolster their squad.

“I think the Foxes will be disappointed if they lose him because he’s a strong midfielder that could fit into most top Championship sides and lower-half Premier League sides.”

Newly-promoted clubs could bag a bargain with Ndidi release clause

It's truly a shame to see Leicester struggling to maintain themselves as a Premier League club, especially after many years of overachieving, including their historic title win a decade ago, and FA Cup triumph in 2021.

Players such as Ndidi, who were once touted by some of the most prestigious clubs in the world, seem to now be yesterday's man just a few years after being linked with £45m moves to European powerhouses.

However, in the now, you have to agree with what Hendrie says regarding the £9m release clause in the Nigerian's contract and how it could be a great bargain for a newly-promoted club.

Looking at the likes of Leeds United and Burnley, to get a midfielder who has two trophies to his name and well over 200 appearances in the Premier League, it would be a no-brainer to add someone like that to their squad for such a small price.

Whilst he may not be a nailed-on starter every week, Ndidi would be a quality and experienced option to enhance squad depth. You just feel like with the £9m release clause, the 28-year-old is too good to pass up on for that price.