Manchester United’s hunt for defensive reinforcements has taken a Dutch twist, with club legend Jaap Stam publicly urging his former side to swoop for Bayer Leverkusen’s electric wing-back Jeremie Frimpong. The 24-year-old, pivotal in Leverkusen’s historic Bundesliga triumph last season, boasts a tantalizing €40 million release clause, a bargain in today’s market for a player of his calibre.
Stam’s Stamp of Approval
Stam, a key part of United’s 1999 treble-winning defence, sees Frimpong as the ideal fit for Ruben Amorim’s tactical blueprint. Speaking to Makthavare.se, he emphasized: “Jeremie Frimpong can play as a right-wing back having also played as a right winger and a right back. He has pace and is very direct and can score goals as well as create chances for his team-mates. I think he would be a very interesting player for Manchester United to look at, he would fit the style of play on the right-hand side.”
The Dutchman’s 29 goals and 40 assists in 182 Leverkusen appearances highlight his attacking threat, something Amorim craves in his dynamic 3-4-3 system.
Frimpong's Future
Frimpong’s future, however, is intertwined with Xabi Alonso’s. The Leverkusen manager, linked with Real Madrid, is yet to decide his next move. Frimpong’s admiration for Alonso is clear. Talking to SportBible, Frimpong stated, “He’s had Pep Guardiola, Carlo Ancelotti, Jose Mourinho – all of them. He was bound to be a great manager… We really play football. He’s got all the trust of the players.”
Should Alonso depart, Frimpong’s exit becomes likelier. But United face stiff competition. Liverpool’s Arne Slot, eyeing Frimpong as a Trent Alexander-Arnold successor, looms large. The Reds’ Premier League title charge and Slot’s Dutch influence could outmuscle United’s appeal.
Despite January’s £29m capture of Patrick Dorgu who can play both wings, United’s right side remains unsettled. Diogo Dalot’s inconsistency and Noussair Mazraoui’s central defence role leave Amorim craving more reliability on the right side. Frimpong’s defensive flair and Bundesliga-proven end product with five goals and nine assists this term, make him a clear upgrade.
At €40m, Frimpong’s clause is a steal compared to other targets. United’s hierarchy must weigh Frimpong’s readiness against their broader rebuild. Alonso’s decision will accelerate or stall talks, but Amorim cannot afford to delay. Frimpong has a lot of quality and he would be a great fit for the system at United but Liverpool’s interest will be a major concern for United if they choose to pursue the Dutchman.