Man Utd and Chelsea can trigger bargain ‘release clause’ for Jeremie Frimpong
Seven Man Utd transfers Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants answers for as trio set for January exits
Manchester United or Chelsea could take advantage of a bargain transfer opportunity next summer, with Jeremie Frimpong’s Bayer Leverkusen contract reportedly containing a modest release clause. The marauding full-back is putting up superb numbers in the Bundesliga this season as Xabi Alonso’s side look set for a title battle with Bayern Munich.
Now into his fourth season at Leverkusen, Frimpong has registered 13 goal contributions in his last 17 matches. The 22-year-old can operate at right-back, right wing-back or as a fully-fledged winger.
United boss Erik ten Hag is rumoured to be a long-standing admirer, so Frimpong signing a five-year deal back in October will have come as a bitter blow to senior figures at Old Trafford.
However, Sky Germany are reporting that the long-term deal includes a £34.6million release clause, which becomes active next summer. Leverkusen may regret setting the bar so low given Frimpong’s scintillating form.
Don’t miss… Man Utd hero Garnacho shows class in heartwarming moment with young supporter
The report adds that Frimpong is ‘very keen’ on a move elsewhere and could be tempted by the prospect of playing in the Premier League. Ten Hag counts Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka as his current right-back options.
But the United boss’ tendency to play a back-four could work against his bid to lure Frimpong from Leverkusen. Chelsea are also understood to be fond of the Netherlands international, and their philosophy of offering lucrative long-term contracts to youngsters may turn the dial in their favour.
- Support fearless journalism
- Read The Daily Express online, advert free
- Get super-fast page loading
Read more…
Mudryk ‘blamed Chelsea stars’ in leaked private chat with former team-mate[INTERVIEW]
Chelsea ‘submit proposal’ to land first January signing for Mauricio Pochettino[GOSSIP]
Chelsea ‘using former player to assist Osimhen transfer’ with Napoli star keen[TRANSFERS]
Pochettino’s occasional use of a back-five could also come into play, with Frimpong strongest going forward rather than tracking back. As word of the Leverkusen star’s release clause gets around, more top clubs could yet join the party.
There also remains the possibility of one or more interested parties attempting to jump the gun by offering above Frimpong’s release clause value in January. The Dutchman spent nearly a decade in Manchester City’s academy without ever making a first-team appearance.
He was thrown straight into Celtic’s senior ranks after moving north of the border as a teenager, and 18 months in the Scottish Premiership provided all the convincing Leverkusen needed to pull the trigger.
Frimpong has scored 16 goals in 110 appearances for the German side, and he looks set to play a vital role in their Bundesliga title bid this campaign.
Source: Read Full Article
