Manchester United have reportedly joined Newcastle United in the race to sign Eintracht Frankfurt defender Evan N’Dicka.
According to a report from Sport Bild (h/t Sports Illustrated), Evan N’Dicka has become the latest player to be linked with a move to Manchester United. The Premier League giants are currently in the market for a top-quality centre-back, and it appears their search has now led them towards the Eintracht Frankfurt defender.
N’Dicka is regarded as one of the top young centre-backs in the Bundesliga, having enjoyed immense success at Eintracht Frankfurt. However, with his current contract expiring at the end of next season, Frankfurt are open to considering a sale in the summer as they want to avoid seeing the defender leave the club for free in 2023. And they will demand around €20 million for him.
A product of the Auxerre youth academy, N’Dicka had initially joined Eintracht Frankfurt in the summer of 2018. He required no time settling into German football, racking up 27 league appearances in his first season.
The young defender has since featured in 135 competitive games for Frankfurt. N’Dicka’s contributions at the back have been critical behind the success of Die Alder under the leadership of Niko Kovac, Adi Hutter and now Oliver Glasner.
A centre-back by trade, N’Dicka is a technically sound defender who favours playing on the left hand side of the backline. He is adept in possession and is even capable of operating as a left-back if required. What makes him such an appealing target, though, is his imposing 1.92m frame that allows him to dominate the air and become a threat from set-pieces.
N’Dicka’s qualities appear to have drawn a lot of suitors across Europe. Manchester United, for one, have been the latest club to join the chase. The Red Devils are looking for a new centre-back who can offer competition for Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane next season while possibly replacing the Eric Bailly, amid interest from Marseille.
Manchester United are tipped to make a move for Borussia Dortmund’s wantaway defender Manuel Akanji. But given the Swiss international’s poor form this year, Manchester United could be compelled to consider other alternatives in the market, particularly in the Bundesliga.
Another club in contention to sign the Frenchman are Newcastle United. The Magpies have majorly targeted a move for Sven Botman in the new season, but N’Dicka is an interesting alternative due to his vast experience and versatility in the defensive third of the pitch.
Also Read: Three players Newcastle United should pursue in the summer
Amid all the speculation, N’Dicka will be hoping to focus on the current season, with the defender set to play a vital role when Eintracht Frankfurt take on West Ham United in the second leg of the Europa League semi-final tonight. As for the player’s future, it will be interesting to see if Manchester United and Newcastle United are open to paying €20 million to land him.
