Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Bayern Leverkusen star Jeremie Frimpong this summer, with the Dutch right-sided defender said to be keen on a move back to Manchester. The 20-year-old, who moved to the city as a seven-year-old as part of Manchester City’s youth set-up, left the club without making a first-team appearance and joined Celtic in 2019. Frimpong enjoyed a superb spell at Celtic before joining Leverkusen in January 2021, where he has continued his impressive form, scoring eight times and providing nine assists in 36 appearances this season.
While United are said to be keen on Frimpong, they may have to pay up to €50million for one of Leverkusen’s prized assets. The club is reportedly looking to secure a fee of around €50million for the player, who has operated as a right wing-back and a right-back this season. Reports in Germany suggest that United have discussed a move with Frimpong’s representatives, with Bayern Munich also credited with interest in the former Celtic star. However, Bild reports that Frimpong is not on Bayern’s list of summer transfer targets, leaving United with a clear run at the player.
United have made signing a new centre forward a priority this summer, with a new midfielder also thought to be high up on Erik ten Hag’s list of priorities. The Dutchman is also said to be keen to bring in a right-sided defender, with Diogo Dalot having established himself as ten Hag’s first-choice option at right-back in the first-half of the season but his form has dipped since the World Cup. That has allowed Aaron Wan-Bissaka to force his way back into the side with the former Crystal Palace starlet starting 15 times since the domestic campaign resumed.
While Frimpong appears eager to make the move back to Manchester, he was left out of the Netherlands squad during the most recent international break with Ronald Koeman slamming the player for being unable to defend. “No Frimpong? This is because of the system that we play in,” Koeman said. “He plays almost as a right winger. My right back should be able to defend well in the first place and I have my doubts about that.”
In conclusion, Frimpong is a highly-rated right-sided defender who has been in superb form for Leverkusen this season. While United are said to be keen on the player, they may have to pay up to €50million for his services, with Leverkusen reportedly looking to secure a fee of around €50million for one of their prized assets. Frimpong is also said to be keen to return to Manchester, having moved to the city as a seven-year-old as part of Manchester City’s youth set-up. However, he was left out of the Netherlands squad during the most recent international break, with Ronald Koeman slamming the player for being unable to defend.