Man United leading the race to sign Serie A defender | OneFootball

Man Utd weigh up €40m move for Roma’s Evan Ndicka amid defensive rebuild

United explore options as Ndicka emerges on shortlist

Manchester United are monitoring the situation of Roma centre-back Evan Ndicka as part of their early-summer planning for defensive reinforcements. According to Caught Offside, sources close to United’s transfer activity confirm the Ivory Coast international is one of several names under consideration.

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Ruben Amorim’s system involves three central defenders, a tactical shift which makes depth at the back a pressing concern. With Victor Lindelof’s contract expiring and Lisandro Martinez facing continued fitness struggles, bolstering the defensive core is a key strategic priority.

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“Ndicka is one name being considered as he could be available,” Caught Offside reports. The 25-year-old is thought to be valued at around €40 million, although this figure remains unconfirmed.

Premier League competition grows for Roma defender

Manchester United are not alone in their interest. Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest are all understood to be tracking Ndicka, while earlier interest from Arsenal has reportedly cooled.

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Having impressed at Eintracht Frankfurt prior to his Serie A switch, Ndicka has continued to develop at Roma. His composure, ability to play in both a back four and back three, and physical presence make him an attractive prospect for several Premier League clubs.

It is also understood that Ndicka is open to a Premier League move should the right opportunity present itself.

Amorim’s influence already shaping recruitment focus

While the transfer window has yet to open formally, Amorim’s fingerprints are already evident in United’s planning. His preference for defensive flexibility, ball progression from the back and aerial dominance aligns well with Ndicka’s profile.

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There is currently no formal bid from United, but the interest is genuine and developing. Much will depend on the club’s ability to move quickly and decisively in a market where several teams are active in the same space.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

If you are a Manchester United fan, you may be feeling a familiar mix of interest and hesitation. Evan Ndicka is a solid name, a known talent in European football, and €40 million is not outrageous in today’s market. But the pattern is recognisable: a shortlist emerges, multiple clubs get involved, and United find themselves watching from the outside.

Ndicka does tick boxes. He’s 25, left-footed, capable of operating in a three-man defence, and has experience in both Germany and Italy. That’s a profile many top teams would value. The issue, however, is whether United can act swiftly and with clarity. Too often in recent years, the club’s transfer strategy has lacked that.

Supporters may also wonder whether he is truly the transformative centre-back needed to push the club forward. With doubts over Martinez’s fitness and no clear partner at the back, United need more than just depth — they need leadership and consistency.

If Amorim truly sees Ndicka as the right fit, then the club must act before competitors like Newcastle or Spurs steal a march. Until then, cautious scepticism remains the default setting for many fans.