£20m defender linked with Newcastle United & Liverpool released after contract snub

French defender Evan Ndicka is leaving Eintracht Frankfurt after turning down a new contract at the Bundesliga club.

The 23-year-old has been regularly linked with a move to the Premier League over the last 12 months, most recently in January when a £20million price tag was mooted.

Newcastle United, Liverpool and Manchester United were among the several clubs credited with a supposed interest. This summer, Ndicka is able to make up his own mind on where his future lies when he becomes a free agent at the end of this month.

A Frankfurt statement read: “Evan Ndicka moved to Eintracht from AJ Auxerre in Ligue 2 in summer 2018 and already established himself as a first-team regular in his first season.

“The Frenchman made 36 appearances in all competitions in 2018/19, including nine in the UEFA Europa League. In total the defender can look back on 183 competitive games and 15,820 minutes of game time for the Eagles, during which he registered 12 goals and 10 assists.

“Ndicka enjoyed the highlight of his career with the Europa League win in 2022, when he was on the pitch for 100 minutes of the final against Rangers (5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw). Last season he featured in 44 matches in all competitions, scoring twice and playing every minute of the team’s UEFA Champions League campaign.”

Board member for sport Markus Krosche added: “We would’ve liked to see Evan at Eintracht Frankfurt in the future, so it is a shame that he’s leaving us.

“At the same time, we would like to thank Evan for five years together, in which he’s performed regularly for us from the start at a young age. He’s played his part in Eintracht Frankfurt’s sporting success and positive development. We wish him all the best for the future.’”

Reports in Italy claim Ndicka has been offered a five-year contract by Jose Mourinho’s Roma.