Manchester City are reportedly considering a move to re-sign one of their former academy prospects, Jeremie Frimpong, as the club looks to secure a long-term solution at right-back.
The 23-year-old, currently playing for Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, has become a standout performer since leaving City in 2019, and sources suggest that the Premier League champions are weighing up a potential return for the Dutch international.
Frimpong, who came through City’s youth ranks but never made a first-team appearance, has enjoyed an impressive career trajectory following his move to Celtic and then to Bayer Leverkusen. His strong performances in Germany have led to growing interest from his former club, who are now on the lookout for a fresh, long-term right-back option as Kyle Walker enters the twilight years of his career.
The move to re-sign Frimpong could make perfect sense for City, given his strong attacking contributions from right-back and his familiarity with the club. In the latest episode of Sources’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke highlighted the 23-year-old’s impressive skill set, describing him as a “brilliant player” and an “ideal signing” for City. O’Rourke emphasized that Frimpong’s technical ability, pace, and attacking output make him a potential fit for the Pep Guardiola system, and he could be the perfect player to take over from Walker as the club’s long-term solution on the right side of defence.
Frimpong has certainly proven his credentials since leaving City, having made 158 appearances for Bayer Leverkusen across all competitions. During his time in Germany, he has netted 26 goals and provided 38 assists, showcasing his attacking prowess from the full-back position. His standout performances in Leverkusen’s Bundesliga-winning campaign, under manager Xabi Alonso, have only further elevated his reputation, with his combination of defensive solidity and offensive flair making him one of the most sought-after right-backs in Europe.
At just 23, Frimpong is still at a stage of his career where he can improve and evolve, and City are reportedly keen to add him to their ranks as a long-term asset. Walker, 34, has been a key figure for City since joining from Tottenham in 2017, but with his contract set to expire in the near future and age catching up with him, the club is exploring options to strengthen this position for the years ahead.
City’s interest in Frimpong reflects their ongoing commitment to building a squad capable of sustaining success in both domestic and European competitions. While Walker has been one of the top right-backs in the Premier League for several seasons, his age means that City must plan for the future, and Frimpong’s ability to contribute both defensively and in attack fits the bill perfectly.
Moreover, Frimpong’s familiarity with the club could make for a smoother transition back to the Etihad. Having progressed through the City youth system, he already understands the club’s philosophy and the high demands placed on players within the first-team setup. This familiarity could make him a more seamless addition, minimizing the time required for adaptation and allowing him to contribute immediately.
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The interest in Frimpong is not without competition, as City are also reportedly keeping tabs on other right-back options. One of the names on their radar is Sepp van den Berg, a 22-year-old who currently plays for Brentford after struggling to establish himself at Liverpool. Van den Berg, who made a permanent move to the Premier League this summer, has impressed at Brentford, earning regular minutes under Thomas Frank. His growth at the Bees has caught the attention of City, who are reportedly assessing the possibility of bringing him in as an alternative option for their right-back role.
However, Frimpong remains the primary target for City, with his attacking output and maturity in Leverkusen’s starting XI giving him the edge in the race for a right-back signing. The fact that Frimpong has already proven himself in a top European league and consistently delivered for Leverkusen in both domestic and continental competitions makes him a safer bet for City, who are looking to build a team capable of challenging on all fronts.
A potential re-signing of Frimpong would be another smart piece of business for City, who have a long track record of signing players with high potential and developing them into world-class talents. If Frimpong does return to the Etihad, it would be a continuation of the club’s trend of bringing back former youth prospects who have flourished elsewhere, showcasing the depth and quality of their academy system.
The timing of this potential move also makes sense given the broader landscape at City. With Walker’s future uncertain and his role potentially decreasing over the next few seasons, City must look to bring in a player who can fill his shoes not just for the short term, but for many years to come. Frimpong’s combination of youth, ability, and experience in top-flight football makes him an ideal candidate to slot into the right-back position and become a fixture in Guardiola’s side.
As the transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on whether Manchester City will make an official move for Jeremie Frimpong. With their interest now public, other clubs may also look to enter the race for his signature, but City’s prior relationship with the player and his development in Germany could give them the edge. If Frimpong does return to the Etihad, it could mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter for both player and club.
The next few months will be crucial in determining Frimpong’s future, with Bayer Leverkusen likely to demand a significant fee should City pursue a deal. However, given the club’s track record in the transfer market and their evident desire to strengthen their right-back position, it seems highly plausible that Frimpong could once again be wearing the blue of Manchester City in the near future.
Ultimately, whether it’s Frimpong or another player, the pursuit of a long-term right-back solution remains a priority for Manchester City as they continue to plan for sustained success at the top of both English and European football. If Frimpong does make the move back to City, it would undoubtedly be a transfer that catches the attention of fans and pundits alike, reaffirming the club’s ability to identify and nurture exceptional talent.