Latest developments
- Man City are closing in on re-signing Jeremie Frimpong.
- The Bayer Leverkusen man was sold from City to Celtic in 2019.
- City see him as a replacement for Kyle Walker.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (4/5): Top scout suggests clear interest
Manchester City are keen on re-signing their academy product Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen, with Pep Guardiola given the final say on a bid for the Dutchman.
This comes from Mick Brown, one of the best-connected former scouts in English football, speaking to footballinsider247.com. City's interest has been rumoured for over a month by numerous sources, giving extra credibility.
Value (3/5): Leverkusen know his worth
City sold the Dutchman to Celtic in 2019 for just £315 thousand, and it's fair to say they would have to pay a lot more to get him back, with his market valuation at £41.5 million.
With Frimpong under contract until 2028, Leverkusen will want plenty more than that for one of their top performers in their incredible 2023/24 season.
Suitability (2/5): A different system
A big advantage for the 24-year-old is he knows the club and was schooled in the English academy system.
Speaking of systems, the 3-4-2-1 deployed by Xabi Alonso is different to the back four and two holding midfielders preferred by Pep. Frimpong sits on the right of the midfield four, as a right-midfielder, rather than a right-back or more advanced right-winger.
Upgrade? (2.5/5): Seen as a Walker replacement
Despite that, City are said to see him as the long-term replacement at right-back for Kyle Walker, rather than a more attacking player as thought when this rumour was discussed in November.
10 years Frimpong's senior, Walker has been slowing down recently, while Frimpong has actually played more games at RB than RM, but the most successful stages of his career have come when in midfield.
Logic (3/5): Frimpong settled in Germany?
City certainly need an overhaul in plenty of positions, including right-back, and it makes sense for them to go after a player they know and trust.
Frimpong's desire to return, having been allowed to leave without making a senior appearance, remains to be seen, especially when life in Germany has been going so well.
Whisper+ verdict: 14.5/25
They have been tracking him for a while, but if this one is all down to Pep it remains 50/50. With questions surrounding suitability, it won't be an easy choice to make.
