£20m Newcastle United & Liverpool-linked star undergoes medical after agreeing five-year deal

Evan Ndicka is set to join Italian giants Roma after turning down a new contract at Eintracht Frankfurt.

It was confirmed by Frankfurt earlier this month that the 23-year-old would officially leave on July 1 when his contract expired.

A Frankfurt statement read: “Evan Ndicka moved to Eintracht from AJ Auxerre in Ligue 2 in summer of 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.’”

In January, the French defender was linked with a £20million move to the Premier League with Newcastle United, Liverpool and Manchester United among the clubs credited with an interest.

However, Jose Mourinho’s Roma have moved quickly to sign Ndicka on a free transfer. He will become their second signing of the summer behind Houssem Aouar, who has joined as a free agent from Lyon.