Man United join Barcelona in race to sign Bundesliga winner with 26-goals/assists this summer

Man United join Barcelona in race to sign Bundesliga winner with 26-goals/assists this summer

Manchester United and Liverpool have been credited with reported interest in Bayer Leverkusen right-back Jeremie Frimpong, who is already linked with Barcelona.

Former Celtic player and member of Manchester City’s academy, Frimpong has had an incredible ascent to become one of the world’s best offensive full-backs since Xabi Alonso transformed Leverkusen.

The 23-year-old scored 26 goals in all competitions by the end of the 2023–2024 season, including nine in the Bundesliga alone as the newly dubbed “Neverlusen” won their first championship.

However, it makes sense that such numbers would draw notice, and according to German website SportBild, Manchester United and Liverpool are now expressing interest.

That is on top of existing Barca rumours. Barcelona-based SPORT had earlier claimed that an offer for Frimpong from Catalonia is already on the table.

It is, however, thought to be a lowball proposal that doesn’t meet a €40m (£33.7m) release clause in his contract – although that expires imminently.

Barcelona interest is reported to come following a recommendation from new head coach Hansi Flick, clearly an expert in German football.

But the club’s ongoing financial situation could ultimately scupper any attempts to go after any big money transfers this summer.

Manchester United reaped the rewards of Diogo Dalot’s improvement this past season, with the Portuguese right-back even receiving the club’s Players’ Player of the Year award.

But he was often deployed on the left to make up for an injury shortfall there, while there has been uncertainty surrounding Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s future at Old Trafford.

There could be a need for a new right-back, although a centre-back, midfielder and striker are still likely to be the recruitment priorities for the Old Trafford club.

Alexander-Arnold’s status as a midfielder for England at Euro 2024 has brought renewed possibility that it could become his long-term position.

The Reds will be under new direction in 2024/25 as Arne Slot takes control and going after fellow Dutchman Frimpong to replace Alexander-Arnold’s position in the squad could be cheaper than trying to upgrade in midfield