Manchester United have registered their interest in signing Bayer Leverkusen defender Jeremie Frimpong during the summer transfer window, according to Bild.
The Red Devils currently have Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka as their right-back options, but the latter’s future is uncertain with his contract expiring in June 2025.
United triggered an extension clause earlier this season to keep him for another year and there are no plans to negotiate a new long-term deal at the moment.
This could pave the way for his departure this summer and it has been reported that the hierarchy have lined up Frimpong as a potential successor to the 26-year-old.
It is now reported by Bild that United, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have initiated their interest in Frimpong, who has 12 goals and 11 assists this campaign.
The Dutchman is currently comfortable at the Bundesliga leaders which clearly suggests that United may have to convince him into a move to Old Trafford this summer.
Frimpong’s contract has a release clause worth €40 million, but there is an expiry date. The clause needs to be exercised before the start of the Euro 2024 campaign.
United face huge battle to persuade Frimpong
The former Celtic man has been a revelation for Leverkusen from the right wing-back position. He has made a stellar 23 goal contributions from just 36 games this season.
United don’t play with a wing-back formation, but Frimpong would still be a good signing. He was primarily a right-back during his first 18 months at Leverkusen.
His attacking attributes would be ideal for manager Erik ten Hag, who prefers overlapping full-backs.
The fee should not be a concern for United, but the big question mark is whether they can persuade the 23-year-old to leave Leverkusen for Manchester at the beginning of the summer.
Frimpong could be tempted to return to Manchester where he spent nine years in Manchester City’s academy, but United seem unlikely to assure him Champions League football.
Aside from this, they face another stumbling block after Xabi Alonso’s decision to stay at Leverkusen. This could urge Frimpong to stay rather than consider a new challenge elsewhere.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
