Man City eyeing move to re-sign former defender in £30m deal | OneFootball

Man City Eye Frimpong Reunion as Liverpool Circle – High Stakes for Slot’s Summer Plans

Frimpong Back on City’s Radar

Manchester City are preparing to step up their interest in Bayer Leverkusen star Jeremie Frimpong as they eye a reunion with the Dutch wing-back this summer. As reported by TEAMtalk, Pep Guardiola’s side are exploring options to revitalise their defence and see Frimpong as a high-upside replacement for Kyle Walker, who joined AC Milan on loan in January.

Photo IMAGO

Frimpong, 24, came through City’s youth ranks before departing for Celtic in 2019. His development has since soared. Two years later, he made the switch to Bayer Leverkusen, where he’s emerged as one of Europe’s most dangerous attacking full-backs. With four goals and six assists in the Bundesliga this term, Frimpong continues to build on a title-winning 2023/24 campaign under Xabi Alonso.

Photo: IMAGO

Per TEAMtalk, “Sources have stated that it is likely Frimpong will leave Germany this summer and Man City are one of the sides very keen on doing a deal.”

Liverpool Plot Counter-Move as Trent’s Future Looms

City’s interest, however, is complicated by Premier League rivals Liverpool. With Trent Alexander-Arnold tipped for a blockbuster move to Real Madrid, Arne Slot is already planning for life without his generational right-back. Frimpong, dynamic in both phases and familiar with high-tempo football, has reportedly been shortlisted by the Anfield recruitment team.

Liverpool are also keeping tabs on Frimpong. They are set to lose Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid and Frimpong has been shortlisted as his potential successor by Arne Slot’s side.”

While Liverpool’s recruitment under Slot is still in its infancy, the possibility of snapping up a Champions League-ready wing-back fits their long-term vision – and disrupts City in the process.

Price Set, But Battle Ensues

Bayer Leverkusen, well aware of Frimpong’s market value, are resigned to his likely exit. According to sources, a £40 million bid would be sufficient to unlock negotiations. That figure appears reasonable for a player with proven Bundesliga pedigree and top-level European experience.

“Sources state that a bid of £40m will be enough to sign Frimpong this summer.”

Manchester United are also credited with admiration for the Netherlands international, but their own summer priorities are said to lie elsewhere. That leaves City and Liverpool as the primary contenders for his signature – setting up a tantalising transfer tug-of-war.

Timing Crucial as Summer Window Nears

With Guardiola preparing a summer overhaul and Slot eager to stamp his mark on Liverpool’s evolving system, Frimpong’s decision could ripple through the Premier League title race for years to come. Expect movement early in the window, particularly with Celtic watching closely, poised to benefit from a lucrative sell-on clause.

Photo IMAGO

“Man City will make more advancements for Frimpong in the coming weeks but face a fight with Liverpool for his signature.”

This isn’t just about squad depth – it’s about dominance. Frimpong is more than a Walker successor or a Trent replacement. He’s a statement of intent from two English giants unwilling to take a backward step.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

It’s not just about a reunion – it’s about evolution. Kyle Walker’s departure left a clear void, and while Rico Lewis has shown promise, City need an elite-level right-back to match the pace and tactical intelligence Guardiola demands.

Frimpong ticks every box. He’s explosive in transition, fearless in attack, and – crucially – he knows the City DNA. Having graduated from the academy, he won’t need time to adjust to the culture or standards. His Bundesliga output is remarkable – 10 goal contributions already – but even more impressive is his consistency in big games.

Liverpool’s interest? That’s where the spice comes in. Slot targeting Frimpong tells us he sees a similar hybrid role to what Trent has played – a full-back who becomes a midfield creator. But let’s be honest – if it comes down to a project like City, where titles are expected rather than hoped for, Frimpong knows where his best shot lies.

And for £40 million? That’s a bargain in this market. If City move fast, this could be one of the smartest signings of the window.