Barcelona have 'verbal agreement' with Bundesliga defender ahead of summer transfer

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 14 Feb 2023 17:07 GMT
• 3 min read

Eintracht Frankfurt defender Evan Ndicka has verbally agreed on a move with Barcelona ahead of a free transfer in the summer.

The 23-year-old French centre-back, who is out of contract at the end of the season, has been linked with a Bosman transfer away from the Bundesliga side - and now Sport1 report that he is heading for the Nou Camp.

The Blaugrana are hoping for an option of having a left-footed central defence as they have only four right-footed ones to choose from currently.

READ MORE: From Casemiro to Antony: Grading Man Utd's summer transfer business

They have been in linked to Athletic Club’s Inigo Martinez, who is understood to be keen on joining Barcelona as well, though Ndicka would represent an entirely free move.

The report from Christopher Michel states that while an agreement has been between the two parties has been agreed. But the Frenchman will have to compete with the likes of Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, and Jules Kounde, who have established themselves as solid choices.

The move would mean a tentative future for Eric Garcia as the former Manchester City defender has struggled for game time under Xavi, with Marcos Alonso preferred ahead of him.

Barcelona’s Man United test

Barcelona will face Manchester United in first-leg of their Europa League playoff on Thursday.

Xavi said ahead of the European contest: “f course, it was really tough to dominate the game, because they pressed high for the 90 minutes, so it was difficult and we needed to win the duels today.

"If we win the duels, it's an attack for Barcelona. I'm very happy and satisfied. Now we need to recover well, change the mentality for the Europa League and show our best level against Manchester United, as they're also in a really good moment.

"It's a very difficult draw, they [United] are a very difficult team, but okay, let's compete. We're in the best moment since I came here as a coach."