Fabrizio Romano: Liverpool “advancing” move for long-term Man United target Jeremie Frimpong | OneFootball

Manchester United are set to miss out on a move for Jeremie Frimpong as Liverpool are “advancing in talks” to sign the Bayer Leverkusen star, Fabrizio Romano reveals.

Frimpong, 24, has long been linked with a switch to Old Trafford with a sense that ‘Going Dutch’ had governed United’s recruitment approach under previous manager, Erik ten Hag.

The Netherlands international is a versatile footballer, capable of playing right-back, right wing-back, left-back, left wing-back, or even as a conventional winger if needed.

United were interested in Frimpong as an option to upgrade the right-back spot in Ten Hag’s side. But, undoubtedly, the 24-year-old’s best form in a Leverkusen shirt has come at right wing-back under Xabi Alonso, in the exact same system Ruben Amorim is seeking to implement with United.

Alonso, who was recently confirmed to be Real Madrid’s new manager this summer, achieved a historic feat last season, guiding Die Werkself to a league and cup double without losing a single game.

Frimpong was an essential part of this record-breaking side, offering a constant outlet on the right-hand side with his potent pairing of speed and skill. The Dutchman returned an impressive 14 goals and 12 assists from wing-back while ensuring Leverkusen maintained one of the best defensive records in Europe – a demonstration of his abilities in both directions.

This season has not matched the heights of last year’s campaign, for either the player of his club, but Frimpong has still scored five goals and provided 12 assists. This would still make him one of United’s most productive attackers, despite being ostensibly a defender.

And it’s these performances at wing-back which were believed to have reignited the Red Devils’ interest in Frimpong as he appears tailor made for the right wing-back role in Amorim’s system.

The 24-year-old’s contract contains a release clause worth €35 million (£29.5m) meaning a deal would prove as affordable as it is simple to trigger for United.

But, Romano reveals, it’s the club’s bitter rival in the North West who have stolen a march by “advancing” their pursuit of the flying Dutchman, with Frimpong described as “keen on joining Liverpool.”

Tweet: “Liverpool are advancing in talks to sign Jeremie Frimpong after contacts reported last week. Understand #LFC approached Bayer Leverkusen to discuss €35m release clause structure. Talks also underway on player side with Frimpong keen on joining Liverpool.”

The one criticism which has been levelled at Frimpong is his height and physicality. He stands 5’6 but possesses a sleight build, compounding this potential weakness. And while German football is physically demanding, there is less emphasis on strength and height compared to speed and stamina.

The Premier League could pose a problem for an undersized fullback, even if deployed further forward, and it’s perhaps this reason why Amorim – who has constantly stressed the need to raise the physical floor of his side – has decided against a move for Frimpong, appearing to favour a target like Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo.

Featured image Daniel Kopatch via Getty Images

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