Manchester City Step Up Pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong Amid Growing Transfer Battle
Manchester City have a strong and concrete interest in Bayer Leverkusen right-back Jeremie Frimpong and are actively preparing a move to bring him back to the club this summer, TEAMtalk understands. Pep Guardiola is expected to oversee a busy transfer window, with plans to strengthen his squad as the reigning Premier League champions aim to reclaim both domestic and European glory.
With City prepared to make significant squad adjustments, several senior players are likely to depart, making way for a younger, more dynamic group of stars. One key area Guardiola is looking to reinforce is the right-back position following the departure of Kyle Walker. The veteran full-back joined AC Milan on loan in January, with the Italian side having the option to sign him permanently.
Manchester City have long viewed Frimpong as an ideal long-term successor to Walker, having initially identified him as a target in April last year. The 24-year-old, who emerged from City’s youth academy, left for Celtic in 2019 before securing a move to Bayer Leverkusen two years later. Since then, he has developed into one of Europe’s most exciting wing-backs, excelling in Xabi Alonso’s high-intensity system.
Frimpong has been in sensational form this season, registering four goals and six assists in the Bundesliga. This follows a stellar 2023/24 campaign in which he played a crucial role in helping Leverkusen clinch the league title. Given his rapid rise, it now appears increasingly likely that the Dutch international will move on this summer, with several elite clubs, including Manchester City, circling for his signature.
Liverpool and Manchester United Also in the Race
City are not alone in their pursuit of Frimpong, as Premier League rivals Liverpool are also closely monitoring his situation. The Reds are bracing for the potential departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid. With new head coach Arne Slot keen to reshape the squad in his image, Frimpong has emerged as a primary target to fill the void at right-back should Alexander-Arnold leave Anfield.
Given the growing competition, Manchester City may need to act swiftly to secure the deal. Sources indicate that a bid in the region of £40 million could be enough to convince Leverkusen to part ways with their dynamic full-back. While Frimpong has yet to make a final decision on his future, he is unlikely to be short of suitors.
Manchester United have also been linked with the Dutchman in recent months. However, the Red Devils reportedly have other pressing priorities in the transfer market, making a move for Frimpong less likely at this stage. Meanwhile, Celtic are watching the situation unfold with keen interest, as they stand to receive a substantial sell-on fee if their former player secures a high-profile transfer this summer.
Leverkusen Preparing for Frimpong’s Departure
Bayer Leverkusen are well aware that Frimpong’s exit is a strong possibility and have already begun assessing potential replacements. The Bundesliga club would ideally prefer to retain their star full-back, but with mounting interest from top clubs across Europe, they are preparing for the reality of losing him in the upcoming window.
City, meanwhile, are expected to ramp up their efforts to sign Frimpong in the coming weeks, but with Liverpool also eager to land him, a fierce battle could be on the horizon. Guardiola’s side will hope to leverage their existing ties with the player, given his previous association with the club, but it remains to be seen whether that will be enough to fend off competition from other suitors.
With the summer transfer window approaching, all signs point to Frimpong being on the move, and a deal could be finalized in the early stages of the window. Whether he returns to Manchester City or takes on a new challenge elsewhere, his future is set to be one of the most intriguing storylines of the upcoming transfer window.
