West Ham United target Evan Ndicka would “definitely improve” David Moyes’ backline.
That is according to journalist Pete O’Rourke, who was speaking to This is Futbol about the latest news from the London Stadium.
According to reports from French outlet Jeunes Footeux (via Sport Witness), West Ham and Sevilla are interested in striking a deal for Ndicka, whose contract runs out at German Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt next summer.
The same report goes on to say that the Hammers will look to get the 23-year-old – who has previously been dubbed as “incredible” by Frankfurt journalist Christopher Michel – on a free transfer next summer, but the centre-back could be available for £13m in January.
And O’Rourke believes that Ndicka would be an upgrade on what Moyes has at his disposal at the back.
He said: “Ndicka is a top player, he’s proved that for Frankfurt over the last couple of years and there’s been other top Premier League clubs linked with him in the past.
“I think he would definitely be somebody who would definitely improve that West Ham defence and would be an upgrade on what they’ve got so far.”
TIF Thoughts on O’Rourke’s comments…
We believe that the signing of Ndicka – either for £13m or on a free next summer – would be a fantastic piece of business from the east London club, with the former France U21 international likely to represent an upgrade on the club’s current options.
The Paris-born centre-back has made 16 appearances for Frankfurt in the Bundesliga and Champions League this season and ranks in the top 4% of centre-backs across Europe’s top five leagues and European competition for blocks per 90 minutes (2.42) over the last 365 days, according to FBref.
The Frenchman’s other defensive stats are also impressive, with the centre-back ranking in the top 12% for aerial duels won per 90 minutes (3.82), and top 13% for pressures per 90 (11.90) prior to Frankfurt’s weekend clash with Bayer Leverkusen.
Therefore, we believe that Ndicka would be an exceptional signing for West Ham and could provide an extra defensive option for Moyes, especially as the club look to secure regular European qualification.