Manchester United are in advanced negotiations to sign Bayer Leverkusen defender Jeremie Frimpong – with Real Madrid set to miss out on a deal as they turn their intentions to Diogo Dalot.
Frimpong recently dropped a hint about his future by insisting that his next move would have the priority of winning titles. Frimpong spent nine years in the Manchester City youth academy and now wants to return to the city to play for United.
The Dutch defender was initially linked with a move to the Red Devils in November with a new right-back said to be a priority for boss Erik ten Hag. Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Dalot have both been deployed in the position, but Frimpong remains on their radar.
In April, Sky in Germany outlined how United had held positive talks with Frimpong’s agent Jeffrey Lemmert. Sport1 has now built on this report by outlining how the player’s idea is to move to United this summer and that has now been corroborated by Bild, who say that talks are now at an advanced stage.
Both Frimpong and Leverkusen even became aware of interest from Real Madrid, who are seeking to sign a new right-back this summer. Long-term choice in the position Dani Carvajal has endured injury issues this season, while Nacho Fernandez – primarily a central defender – is the main back-up in that position.
Yet the Spanish giants received information they had moved too late for Frimpong, with a deal with United as good as already in place. Madrid have now drawn up a new shortlist for the position which the report claims Dalot is on.
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United's own transfer strategy is under question with uncertainty over the club's potential takeover meaning that their current budget may be frozen. That ongoing lack of clarity may hamper their movement in the summer transfer window.
Frimpong, 22, has been in incredible form this season with his attacking numbers demonstrating exactly what he can bring. He has already clocked up nine goals this season and been involved in nine direct assists for goals – phenomenal stats for a full-back.
However, he is also renowned for his defensive discipline and contribution to the backline. He has not yet been capped by the Netherlands but was a member of their World Cup squad and is tipped to have a bright future.
In April, Frimpong told Relevo when asked about his future: "I would like to win titles, I love that feeling. I did it with Celtic…and I want more. I want to play consistently well. Now I just want to help Bayer Leverkusen."
Frimpong has now clocked up 90 appearances for Bayer Leverkusen and has emerged as one of the most impressive full-backs in the Bundesliga. Previously, he won the treble in his one full season in Glasgow at Celtic – whom he joined from City in 2019 – before moving to Bayer in January 2021.
