Manchester United Have Held Talks With Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong

According to latest reports, Manchester United have held talks with the representatives of Bayer Leverkusen full-back Jeremie Frimpong regarding a summer move. Although signing a striker is the utmost priority for the Red Devils, manager Erik ten Hag also wants to strengthen the right-back position.

Jeremie Frimpong graduated from the Manchester City academy. He made his senior debut with Celtic after a transfer to the Scottish side in 2019, having failed to make the first-team at the Etihad. He went on to win the Scottish Premiership, Scottish League Cup, and Scottish Cup with Celtic, making 51 appearances in all.

The Dutch defender had become one of their best performers before sealing a move to Bayer Leverkusen in 2021 and has produced remarkable performances for the German side since then. He has a contract with the Bundesliga club till the summer of 2025.

According to Sky Germany, Manchester United are interested in signing Jeremie Frimpong in the summer transfer window. The Red Devils do need recruitment in the right-back area and the 22-year-old’s performances have caught Erik ten Hag’s attention.

Xabi Alonso took charge of Bayer Leverkusen earlier this season and has used the Dutchman as a right-wing-back. This role change has helped Frimpong bag 9 goals and 10 assists in all competitions this season (stats via Transfermarkt). The club are sixth in the Bundesliga and are fighting for European qualification for next season.

Meanwhile, Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported that Manchester United have already met with the representatives of Jeremie Frimpong and have discussed a potential move to Old Trafford. While speaking to the United Stand’s YouTube channel, the transfer guru had this to say:

“It’s important to say that from what I understand there was a meeting between the agent of Jeremie Frimpong and Manchester United. Man Utd have confirmed their interest in the player. As you say it is something that United have been interested in since October, and November.”

Jeremie Frimpong, keen on Manchester United possible move — not advanced yet as his agent met with #MUFC, FC Bayern and Barcelona. 🇳🇱

Interest in Frimpong doesn’t change the situation of Diogo Dalot at this stage as new long-term contract talks are still ongoing. pic.twitter.com/ljyRLn3Q7y

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 10, 2023

The Red Devils are willing to let Aaron Wan-Bissaka find a new club in the summer. The English defender’s playing time has suffered as the Dutch manager prefers playing Diogo Dalot over him. Consequently, with AWB’s departure, United will be left with Dalot as their only option at right-back. The club would need more depth in that position if they wish to win trophies next season.

Should Manchester United Sign Jeremie Frimpong or Pursue Other Options?

United also have more than one position to fill for the 2023-24 campaign. Signing a right-back is currently one of the top priorities for the English club. They had established their interest in a number of suitors like Denzel Dumfries, Benjamin Pavard and more. However, the latest option to emerge is Jeremie Frimpong.

The Bayer Leverkusen full-back could be a cheaper option when compared to Dumfries, although the Inter defender has more experience in the top-flight. Frimpong is the most productive defender in Europe this year. It explains why FC Barcelona have also established an interest in signing the youngster.

The 22-year-old infuses more energy and pace into the game. He operates almost like a right-winger rather than a right-back when his team is in possession. He is similar to Achraf Hakimi since he is capable of covering a lot of ground and winning the ball with sheer pace.

Because of his pace, the Dutchman does not need to compromise his defensive duties. He almost always tracks back in time to make an important interception. He also has an eye for a killer pass which would a big help for the striker which the Red Devils are planning to buy in the summer.

The Dutch right-back can also build a very potent partnership with either Antony or Jadon Sancho on the right-flank. The combination of Sancho and Hakimi was too hot to handle when both played for Dortmund and it could be repeated in the Premier League.

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