Manchester United are maintaining their interest in Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong, a Dutch player valued at £34 million. However, Frimpong has indicated a potential preference for joining Premier League rivals Liverpool.
According to Fabrizio Romano, who reported recently, Manchester United, now under Ineos ownership, are still monitoring Frimpong. The player, once linked with Manchester City, had a stint at Celtic before making the move to the Bundesliga.
Discussions between Manchester United and Frimpong took place nearly a year ago, but the club chose to allocate funds elsewhere, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Diogo Dalot being favoured by manager Erik ten Hag. However, with Wan-Bissaka now appearing to be second choice behind the improving Diogo Dalot, Romano claims that Manchester United’s interest in Frimpong persists.
Manchester United Like Jeremie Frimpong
“I can confirm that Frimpong is really appreciated by people in the scouting (department at Old Trafford),” Romano tells The United Stand. “And also that Frimpong would love to try an experience in the Premier League. He would really like to try this opportunity in the future.”
Lately, one of Europe’s fastest footballers has significantly boosted his prospects for a lucrative transfer, playing a pivotal role in Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen squad. Frimpong has been outstanding this season, tallying nine goals and ten assists. His remarkable performance includes a memorable goal scored from nearly the halfway line during the triumphant 3-0 victory over Bayern Munich a few weeks back.
“We haven’t lost yet this season,” Frimpong tells Ziggo Sport, Alonso’s side unbeaten not only in the Bundesliga but across all competitions in 2023/24.
“But yes, football is changeable. We have to keep concentration. We all trust the coach and know we can do something big this season, we all want to win a trophy, and the coach helps with his playing style.
“He (Alonso) has also worked under top trainers, and can now combine those experiences himself. Everyone enjoys the playing style, but we shouldn’t think too easily.
“Yes, we are eight points ahead but that is nothing. Certainly not with Bayern, who have already become champions (eleven times) in a row.”
Big Blow for United as Jeremie Frimpong Now Open to Liverpool Move
Alonso’s extraordinary influence at the Bay Arena has caught attention, possibly leading to an offer for a return to his former club in the upcoming summer transfer window. Newsnow Liverpool understands that, the 41-year-old is being seriously considered as a top contender to succeed Jurgen Klopp.
On another note, Frimpong is contemplating the idea of emulating Alonso’s path. His contract with Leverkusen reportedly includes a remarkably low release clause of £34 million, making his potential move more feasible.
“Liverpool? Great club, with history,” adds the Amsterdam-born 23-year-old. “(Moving there) would be great.
“Who knows what the future will bring.”
There is, however, one rather obvious problem. Liverpool’s squad is arguably at its strongest in the right-back spot. Trent Alexander-Arnold remains perhaps the finest right-sided full-back in world football.
Conor Bradley’s startling emergence into the first-team picture, meanwhile, is reminiscent of Alexander-Arnold’s early days under Klopp, the 20-year-old academy graduate impressive once again during Saturday’s 4-1 win at Brentford.
And then there is Joe Gomez. The versatile, long-serving defender who has been a man revived in recent months, albeit on the left rather than the right.
Klopp was also full of praise for the ‘exceptional’ Curtis Jones after the recent 3-1 victory over Burnley, the midfielder forced into an unfamiliar defensive role for 45 minutes.
No Place at Anfield for the Flying Dutchman
“Think back in the summer (of 2023), I think there were quite a few people who said we need another right-back for different reasons,” Klopp told TNT Sports after Bradley scored a stunner in that hammering of Chelsea..
“We really were very positive about Conor like we were about (Jarell) Quansah. I think (Bradley has made) a really big step.”
If Bradley hadn’t quickly established himself as a dependable player under Klopp, Liverpool might have considered tempting Jeremie Frimpong away from Leverkusen. However, at the moment, while Alonso might fit well in the post-Klopp era, it’s challenging to argue the same for the dynamic right-back position.
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