Manchester United have long been linked with a move for attack-minded fullback Jeremie Frimpong, whose £34 million release clause at Bayer Leverkusen expires this week.
Despite being interested in the 23-year-old since Erik ten Hag took the reins at Old Trafford, United have never taken the steps to formalise their pursuit by tabling a bid. They did hold talks with his agent back in April 2023, but nothing came of it – perhaps due to the club’s failure to offload Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
It’s thought that any deal for Frimpong, whom Xabi Alonso once hailed as a ‘special’ talent, largely hinges on whether Wan-Bissaka leaves. He has been attracting interest of his own from the likes of West Ham and Galatasaray since the window opened, although nothing has materialised as of yet.
Ten Hag’s preference for Diogo Dalot on the right-hand side of defence has been evident over the past two seasons. That being said, Wan-Bissaka was granted increased game time in 2023/2024 as the pair took turns deputising for sidelined duo Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw.
When normal service resumes next term, the ex-Crystal Palace man may have to settle for a more rotational role.
German outlet rates Frimpong’s chances of a summer transfer
Nevertheless, it looks as though United will disregard Frimpong’s release clause, given that they haven’t been actively pursuing the Dutchman since April this year.
BILD has rated his likelihood of leaving Leverkusen this summer following their emphatic invincible Bundesliga campaign, predicting there’s a 50 per cent chance he could stay put or embark on a new venture elsewhere.
