Introduction

In a surprising twist in the transfer market, Manchester City is reportedly set to outmaneuver Liverpool in securing Bayer Leverkusen sensation Jeremie Frimpong, as Manchester United continues to be linked with the Dutch right-back. Football Insider has revealed that City is “ready to beat” Liverpool to Frimpong's signature, with United also showing recurring interest.

City's Right-Back Dilemma

The urgency for City stems from their need for a new right-back, as club captain Kyle Walker has recently celebrated his 34th birthday. The Etihad scouting team has long recognized Frimpong, a former youth player, as an ideal successor.

Frimpong's Impressive Track Record

Since leaving Manchester City for Celtic in September 2019 and subsequently joining Leverkusen in January 2021, Frimpong has blossomed into one of Europe's most formidable right wing-backs. In 149 appearances for Leverkusen, he has scored 26 goals and provided 36 assists, showcasing his attacking prowess and defensive adaptability. This season alone, he has made a vibrant start, netting once and assisting four times in just seven games.

Liverpool's Interest and Strategy

While Liverpool has identified Frimpong as a potential heir to Trent Alexander-Arnold—should the latter make a high-profile move to Real Madrid—reportedly, they currently face no rush to secure the player. Instead, Liverpool's coach Arne Slot appears intrigued by his rising talent, Conor Bradley.

Manchester United's Position

Conversely, Manchester United’s interest in Frimpong has lingered over the past year. Manager Erik ten Hag has successfully brought several Dutch talents to Old Trafford, including Matthijs de Ligt and Joshua Zirkzee. However, with the recent acquisition of Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich, it seems unlikely United would pursue Frimpong, especially given Ten Hag's dual right-back options—Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot.

Leverkusen's Asking Price

Frimpong also had a €40 million release clause over the summer, which has since expired, granting Leverkusen the freedom to dictate their asking price as his contract extends until June 2028.

City's Broader Transfer Activity

Meanwhile, the transfer market buzz doesn't end with Frimpong. Manchester City is reportedly also pursuing Inter Milan's Nicolo Barella. As a key player for Inter, acquiring Barella would not come cheap—rumored fees reportedly reaching around £62.5 million. Given City’s rich history of splashing the cash on talent, they seem primed for yet another significant signing.

Liverpool's Direction

In a broader context, as Liverpool contemplates its transfer strategies, their focus may pivot more towards a specialized defensive midfielder. They failed to secure Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi during the most recent window but may switch targets to Leverkusen's Exequiel Palacios.

Conclusion

Frimpong, still only 23, shows immense potential and is well acclimated to Pep Guardiola's playing style, making him a strategic choice for City’s long-term plans. With Frimpong and rising star Rico Lewis on the roster, Guardiola could effectively rotate his squad amid the demands of an intense Premier League season.

In summary, the battle for Frimpong is heating up, with City appearing in pole position. The outcome of this transfer saga could significantly impact the dynamics of the Premier League’s top teams and the continuing evolution of player rosters at the highest level. Stay tuned as the race intensifies!