Liverpool have struggled for consistency this season, no more so at the back. With a huge summer revamp on the horizon, the Reds will be looking at defensive reinforcements.
According to David Maddock at the Daily Mirror, Liverpool are attempting to sign Evan Ndicka in the summer on a free transfer. The French centre-back applies his trade in Germany, playing for 6th-placed Eintracht Frankfurt.
Ndicka was pivotal in their Europa League campaign as they went on to win the trophy in 2022. With Liverpool’s injury woes at the back this season, Ndicka could be the perfect backup to Konate or Virgil Van Dijk when injured.
He has a fantastic injury record, with the Frenchman only missing 7 games in 5 seasons.
The French centre-half has been fantastic for Frankfurt, a ball-playing centre-back that is calm and very similar to his countryman, Ibrahima Konate. Evan has 2.39 ariel duels won and 4.45 clearances per 90. Dominant in the air and determined to defend impeccably.
Ndicka is calm on the ball, as he has an 85.2% pass completion rate and 0.73 progressive carries per 90. The 23-year-old is valued at £28 million pounds but to get him on a free is a steal as his contract runs out in the summer.
Liverpool would do well to secure a deal for the Frenchman as it would be a much cheaper alternative to Josko Gvardiol, who is valued at £66 million pounds with Leipzig likely to push for much more for the Croatian.
Left-sided centre backs are scarce these days and Liverpool will have an excellent deputy for their backline. Liverpool have previously done well with free transfers, most notably Joel Matip. The Cameroonian made the move from Bundesliga club Schalke 04 to the Premier League on a free transfer back in 2016.
Matip has been fantastic for the Reds, winning every trophy possible with Liverpool. Matip provided the assist in the Champions League final for Divock Origi as Liverpool went on to win their 6th European Cup in Madrid.
Joel Matip is a fan favourite, known for his runs out from the back and has providing excellent assists in the past. In the 2021/22 season he even scored against Leeds from a fantastic solo run and a one-two with Mohammed Salah.
Next on the list of free transfers is James Milner. The ultimate professional has been pivotal on and off the pitch since he signed on a free transfer from Manchester City back in 2015.
James Milner is the perfect role model for academy graduates that make it to the first team. It is well-known that he has set the standards in training sessions, and on the pitch, during his time at the club. The Englishman brought some much-needed experience and a winning mentality to Liverpool and has played almost everywhere under Jurgen Klopp.
James Milner will leave a Liverpool legend, despite him being constantly underrated by many. The Englishman is set to sign a new one-year deal at the club in a reduced role. However, Jurgen would argue that “Milly” deserves the deal more than anyone.
Who is Liverpool's best free transfer?
- James Milner
- Joel Matip
- Gary McAllister
Lastly, there is Gary McAllister, one for the older generation, but he was signed in 2001 on a free transfer from Coventry City. He was signed as a 35-year-old and was pivotal to their UEFA Cup success against Spanish side Alaves.
The Scotsman went on to play 90 times in two seasons and famously scored against bitter rivals Everton in a 3-2 win. Not just any goal, as it was in added time. McAllister whipped a free kick over the blue wall and into the top corner, to score what is known as one of the best goals against their Merseyside rivals.
The Scotsman was a fan favourite under Gerard Houllier and will not be forgotten any time soon.
If Evan Ndicka can provide any moments like these three, he will be a top player for the Reds and with the Frenchman being so young, it means he has room for improvement and could be a brilliant signing for Liverpool.