Manchester United have sent scouts to watch Bayer Leverkusen defender Jeremie Frimpong on multiple occasions, according to the reliable Fabrizio Romano.
The Red Devils could be in the market for a new right-back in January, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka‘s future at the club far from certain.
What is the latest news involving Frimpong?
At the end of last month, FootballTransfers claimed that United are keen on signing Frimpong and could look to make a move for him in the winter window.
It comes as Wan-Bissaka continues to be linked with a return to former club Crystal Palace.
According to The Sun, United are open to letting the 24-year-old rejoin the Eagles on loan in a deal that would likely benefit him.
Wan-Bissaka has lost his place in the Red Devils’ first XI to Diogo Dalot, failing to make a single start under Erik ten Hag this season.
What has Romano said about Frimpong and United?
Romano has told GIVEMESPORT that Frimpong is on United’s radar but a deal in January could be difficult.
Speaking to GMS, the transfer expert said: “They need probably a new right-back. As an opportunity on the market, Jeremie Frimpong is one of the players they are following.
“They have sent their scouts multiple times to follow him, but Bayer Leverkusen will try to keep the player until the end of the season, so it’s not going to be an easy one.”
Would Frimpong be a good signing for United?
If Wan-Bissaka does go on to depart Old Trafford and Ten Hag needs a new right-back as a result, then yes.
Frimpong has really impressed for Leverkusen since joining from Celtic in 2021. As per FBref, the Dutch youngster has ranked in the 98th percentile for dribbles completed and the 98th for touches in the opposition’s penalty area among his positional peers over the last year.
The above shows that Frimpong, who is valued at around £30m by the CIES Football Observatory, is a full-back who could bring a lot to United’s side going forward.
On the 21-year-old after his Netherlands call-up, his manager Xabi Alonso said (via Get German Football News): “He has a very big impact on our game. He is a very good player, but for me is even a special player.
“It is logical that Louis van Gaal gives him the chance because he is a difference player.”
All in all, then, Frimpong would probably be a terrific addition to Ten Hag’s
Arsenal legend Ian Wright thinks striker Cristiano Ronaldo is going through a difficult period in his career.
“Ronaldo is not used to hearing ɴᴇɢᴀᴛɪᴠᴇ things. But now it is appearing more and more,” Daily Mail quoted Ian Wright as saying. “It must be very difficult for Ronaldo to face criticism. He may need psychological counseling.”
The former British player emphasized: “Maybe Ronaldo has not accepted his career is coming to an end. This happens to all players. I have also experienced it. At that time, it felt like you were wondering yourself. I wonder if that’s true. Given his great career and what Ronaldo has achieved, it’s sad to see this.”
Ronaldo publicly criticized leaders, coaching staff and teammates at MU in an interview with close journalist Piers Morgan. Even someone who once wholeheartedly supported Ronaldo like Rio Ferdinand could not continue to defend the Portuguese striker.”The relationship between MU and Ronaldo is over. I no longer see the possibility of healing between the two sides. Ronaldo does not want to return, and MU will no longer welcome him,” Ferdinand said.After being criticized by former teammates like Gary Neville or Wayne Rooney, Ronaldo also reacted quite harshly. “I don’t understand Rooney’s criticism. Neither does Neville. It’s hard to hear criticism from people who were once your teammates,” Ronaldo said.
“People have their own opinions, but they really don’t know what’s going on with me. If they want to speak, they have to listen to my point of view. It’s not difficult. In short, they’re not. my friend and just used my name,” the 37-year-old striker concluded.
The MU side confirmed to have received information about Ronaldo’s interview and will soon give a response. According to ESPN, the MU leadership held a closed meeting to discuss the consequences after the interview between Ronaldo and Morgan was ʀᴇᴠᴇᴀʟᴇᴅ.
Here, coach Erik ten Hag declared that there was no need for Ronaldo to appear in the squad for the rest of the season. Even the Dutch captain is ready to let CR7 leave in the first transfer window of 2023, whether MU finds a replacement or not.