Manchester United have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of Roma defender Evan Ndicka, with reports suggesting the Ivory Coast international could be available for just £39 million.
“I’d Be All Over Him” – Man Utd Urged to Beat Rivals to Roma Star Ndicka
The 24-year-old centre-back has developed into one of Serie A’s finest defenders since joining Roma on a free transfer in 2023.
His stock has risen considerably after an impressive spell in Germany with Eintracht Frankfurt, where he made 183 appearances and played a crucial role in their 2022 Europa League triumph.
Italian media revealed on Monday that United have ‘formally entered’ the race for Ndicka, joining Liverpool and Tottenham in pursuit of the defender.
Roma have set their valuation at €45 million (£39m), a price tag that has caught the attention of several Premier League clubs.
European football analyst Andy Brassell believes Ndicka would be a perfect fit for the Red Devils.
Speaking on talkSPORT, he did not hold back in his assessment of the player’s quality.
“I think he’s one of the very best central defenders in Europe, and I don’t think he’s ever really given credit for it,” Brassell said.
He urged United to move quickly for the Roma star, adding: “If I was a Premier League club, I would be all over Roma for Evan Ndicka.
I think he’s already a great defender, and I think he’ll get even better.”
Brassell highlighted Roma’s financial situation as a key factor that could work in United’s favour, noting that the Italian club must abide by UEFA’s financial settlement and will likely need to sell at least one major asset in the summer.
The analyst also praised Jose Mourinho’s influence on Ndicka’s development, revealing how the Portuguese coach helped transform the defender’s approach to the game.
“Mourinho did a really good first job with Ndicka,” Brassell said.
“He said: ‘Evan is very good on the ball, but he needs to learn that being a defender is actually about defending.’ Those words have really stayed with Ndicka.”
Brassell concluded that United cannot afford to be complacent after their recent improvement under Michael Carrick.
With Champions League qualification potentially on the horizon, he stressed that the club must seize the opportunity to sign top talent like Ndicka to solidify their defence for the long term.
