Battle between Man Utd and City for high-scoring right-back intensifies
The race for highly-rated Dutch right-back Jeremie Frimpong is heating up, with both Manchester United and Manchester City expressing interest in the Bayer Leverkusen star. Frimpong, who joined Celtic five years ago before moving to Germany, has impressed with his performances in the Bundesliga, catching the attention of both Manchester clubs.
United have been closely monitoring Frimpong’s progress at Bayer Leverkusen, where he has been a key player in their pursuit of their first-ever Bundesliga title. The Red Devils see him as a perfect fit for their new regime, with his age and asking price aligning with their transfer strategy. Frimpong, 23, has a release clause of £35 million that can only be activated this summer, despite having a contract until 2028.
On the other hand, City view Frimpong as a potential long-term successor to Kyle Walker, who has spoken highly of the youngster while on England duty. Frimpong’s versatility is another attractive factor, as he can play on either flank or even in midfield. City is also aware of United’s interest in the player and is determined to secure his signature.
Frimpong’s journey to stardom has been quite remarkable. He spent over a decade at City’s academy before making a move to Celtic. This not only adds to his appeal but also makes him a home-grown and academy-trained player, which is financially advantageous for City.
In terms of performance, Frimpong has been exceptional this season. He has scored 11 goals and provided 11 assists for Leverkusen, outshining even United’s forward Marcus Rashford, who has struggled to find his form with just seven goals and two assists. Frimpong’s attacking prowess combined with his defensive abilities make him an attractive prospect for both clubs.
While Leverkusen is determined to hold onto their star right-back, they will have no choice but to let him go if either Manchester club triggers his release clause. United, under the ownership of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, are looking to strengthen their backline for the upcoming season, and Frimpong fits the profile perfectly.
In the race for a top-four finish in the Premier League, United currently find themselves battling it out with Tottenham and Aston Villa. They are 11 points behind Villa and will need to make up ground in their remaining nine games to secure a spot in the Champions League for the next campaign. The addition of Frimpong to their squad could provide the defensive stability and attacking threat they need to achieve their goals.
As the battle between Manchester United and Manchester City intensifies for the signing of Jeremie Frimpong, it remains to be seen which club will emerge victorious. Both clubs recognize his potential and are willing to meet his release clause to secure his services. Frimpong’s rise from City’s academy to being a sought-after right-back is a testament to his talent and hard work. Wherever he ends up, he is sure to make a significant impact on the field.