Man Utd and Man City set for summer transfer battle over top full-back | OneFootball

Manchester United and Manchester City Set for Transfer Battle Over Frimpong

Manchester United and Manchester City are poised for a high-stakes battle in the transfer market as both clubs target Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong. As reported by TeamTalk, the Dutch international is expected to leave the Bundesliga champions this summer, with Barcelona and Real Madrid also monitoring his situation closely.

Frimpong, who has excelled as a right-back and right-wing-back under Xabi Alonso, has attracted widespread interest due to his attacking prowess and versatility. With United looking to reshape their squad under Ruben Amorim and City seeking a long-term replacement for Kyle Walker, the race for Frimpong’s signature is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing transfer sagas of the summer.

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Manchester United’s Ambitions Under Amorim

Since parting ways with Erik ten Hag last October, Manchester United have been working to implement a clearer recruitment strategy. Amorim is heavily involved in shaping the squad, identifying players who fit both his philosophy and the club’s budget constraints.

With Diogo Dalot as the current right-back option, United are eager to add a player with greater attacking threat. Frimpong, who registered 14 goals and 10 assists last season and already has three goals and 10 assists this term, fits that mould perfectly.

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At 24, he is entering his prime and would provide an immediate upgrade in both defensive stability and attacking output. United’s hierarchy are reportedly keen to support Amorim with key signings, and securing Frimpong would be a statement of intent.

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Manchester City’s Plans for a Defensive Refresh

On the other side of Manchester, City are planning for the future. With Kyle Walker’s January loan move to AC Milan signalling a gradual transition, Pep Guardiola is looking for a dynamic full-back who can offer longevity in the role.

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City spent £180 million in January as they continue to evolve their squad, and Frimpong is viewed as a potential key piece of that rebuild. His ability to play high up the pitch and contribute offensively aligns well with Guardiola’s tactical approach, making him an ideal candidate to slot into City’s system.

There is also a strong possibility that City could look to secure a double swoop from Leverkusen, as Florian Wirtz is another player on their radar. However, with competition from Spain’s top clubs, neither transfer will be straightforward.

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Frimpong’s Focus Remains on Leverkusen—for Now

Despite the mounting speculation, Frimpong remains fully committed to his current club. He has a contract until 2028, which puts Leverkusen in a position of strength when negotiating any potential sale.

Speaking earlier this year, Frimpong addressed the transfer rumours, saying:

While he downplayed the speculation, he also left the door open for a potential move, adding:

With his attacking stats making him one of the most effective full-backs in Europe, it is no surprise that multiple elite clubs are keen on him.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Manchester United, this transfer is an exciting prospect. Frimpong is exactly the kind of player the club needs—young, energetic, and proven in a high-intensity system. His attacking output alone makes him a huge upgrade on the current right-back options, while his defensive work has improved significantly under Alonso.

Under Amorim, United will likely shift towards a more fluid, possession-based approach, and Frimpong’s ability to overlap and contribute in attack would be a vital asset. He would also provide versatility, allowing United to experiment with different tactical shapes.

However, there are concerns. City’s involvement makes this a much tougher deal to complete. If Guardiola sees Frimpong as Walker’s long-term successor, they have the financial muscle and Champions League stability to make a compelling case. If it turns into a bidding war, United could struggle to compete.

Another factor is the interest from Spain. If Barcelona or Real Madrid step up their pursuit, they bring the allure of La Liga and the prestige of playing for one of the world’s biggest clubs. United would need to move quickly to get ahead of the competition.

Ultimately, securing Frimpong would be a statement signing for United. He’s a player at the perfect stage of his career to make an impact immediately while also offering long-term value. Whether United can win the race remains to be seen, but if they pull it off, it could be one of the best moves they make this summer.