Manchester United have been handed a potential boost in their pursuit of Jeremie Frimpong.
Reports in German newspaper BILD suggest that Bayern Munich will not be making a move for the Bayer Leverkusen flyer.
Is Frimpong the key to unlocking Antony’s vast potential at Old Trafford? The perfect pairing wine for a winger who, despite his Michelin star potential, still requires a bit of seasoning before the flavours can really start popping.
One of the fastest and most attack-minded right-backs in European football; Frimpong could form a fearsome understanding with the Brazil international at Old Trafford. That relentless overlapping opening up the space for Antony to do his Arjen Robben tribute act with far more regularity.
According to Fabrizio Romano, talks between Manchester United and the one-time City starlet are underway ahead of what could be a hectic summer of incomings and outgoings. The £44 million-rated Frimpong is ‘keen’ on returning to his old north west stomping ground.
There has been suggestions of interest from Bayern Munich too. But the Bundesliga champions, per BILD, currently have no plans to spend big on another right-sided full-back. Thomas Tuchel already has Noussair Mazraoui, Josip Stanisic, Benjamin Pavard, Bouna Sarr and Joao Cancelo at his disposal, even if the latter’s future remains uncertain.
The highly-versatile Joshua Kimmich can also fill in on the flank if required.
“Bayern have not held any talks, and Frimpong is not on the list,” BILD write. “Munich see themselves sufficiently occupied (at right-back).”
Manchester United get Jeremie Frimpong boost
While talks appear to be progressing smoothly, Frimpong may only arrive at Man United if one of Erik ten Hag’s current right-back options departs first. As things stand, the smart money remains on Aaron Wan-Bissaka getting the boot rather than Diogo Dalot, even if the former Crystal Palace youngster has been arguably United’s most improved player in 2023.
Wan-Bissaka may have come on leaps and bounds under Ten Hag. But Frimpong, Leverkusen’s very own ‘Flying Dutchman’, still appears far better suited to the Man United boss’s tactical approach; more technically-gifted and more naturally free-wheeling.
In 37 games, Frimpong has a remarkable eight goals and nine assists this season.
“His profile as a fast player with incredible acceleration and good technique was clear. But the conclusion wasn’t, as he could improve other things. He created three or four possible chances per game. But his final ball wasn’t that good,” Leverkusen’s sporting director Simon Rolfes said last autumn.
“I thought that, if I didn’t put my trust in our coaches to help him improve that, then when would I ever choose to sign a player? How many full-backs are able to create three or four possible chances (a game)? Not at lot.
“His ability to accelerate and decelerate is world-class. If you’re world-class at something at Celtic and in the Bundesliga, that’s also the case in other leagues,” Rolfes adds.
“There were other things he had to improve when he came, and he has done fantastic.
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