Manchester United
Premier League • England
Major Ten Hag target ‘keen’ on Man Utd transfer as Fabrizio Romano reveals agent meeting
Jeremie Frimpong finds the idea of joining Man Utd appealing, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Currently with Bayer Leverkusen, Frimpong is one of the main right-backs on Man Utd’s transfer wish list. TEAMtalk understands that the Netherlands international is under consideration along with compatriots Jurrien Timber and Denzel Dumfries.
Also on Man Utd’s radar is French defender Benjamin Pavard, but work is continuing on the Frimpong front.
An update from Romano has revealed that Frimpong’s agent has met with Man Utd. In turn, the 22-year-old is “keen” on making the move to Old Trafford.
However, his representative has also been in direct contact with officials from Pavard’s current club Bayern Munich, as well as Barcelona.
Therefore, Man Utd are not yet at an “advanced” stage of the race to sign Frimpong, who is under contract with Bayer Leverkusen until 2025.
Earlier in his career, Frimpong spent time in the Man City youth ranks, so could make a return to Manchester. United’s path towards signing him still has some obstacles, though.
Frimpong has scored eight goals and added nine assists from 37 appearances in all competitions this season. His overall record with Bayer Leverkusen – who signed him from Celtic in January 2021 – is 84 appearances, 10 goals and 18 assists.
He could become an exciting option for Man Utd in the long term if he can adapt to the Premier League.
His attacking output is certainly more desirable than that of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who is once again being linked with an exit from Man Utd. West Ham are among the admirers of the former Crystal Palace full-back.
Frimpong pursuit has no impact on Dalot negotiations
His colleague Diogo Dalot is not at risk, according to Romano. The Portugal international’s contract is due to expire next year, but Man Utd want to extend it.
And Romano has confirmed that contract talks are still ongoing with Dalot, regardless of Man Utd’s pursuit of Frimpong or other right-back targets.
Dalot, 24, joined Man Utd from Porto in 2018. He had to be patient for a breakthrough, spending the 2020-21 season on loan with AC Milan. But he has been trusted by Erik ten Hag this season.
The Dutch tactician could soon be choosing between him and one of his own compatriots if Man Utd can win the race for Frimpong.
However, Barcelona could be a rival suitor to be wary of, despite their financial issues. Right-back is one of the main areas they are aiming to upgrade in the upcoming transfer window.
Meanwhile, Bayern would need a replacement for Pavard if they sell him – to Man Utd or anyone else – one year before his contract expires.
They also currently have Joao Cancelo on loan from United’s neighbours Man City. However, a permanent deal remains up for question due to the price.
Thus, Man Utd are not the only club with a need for a new right-back. They will have to get the better of some big competitors in order to sign Frimpong.