Real Madrid plan to steal Netherlands star from Man Utd

Tom Weber

• 8 May 2023 12:06 BST
• 3 min read

Real Madrid are keen to hijack Manchester United's reported move for Jeremie Frimpong.

Though bringing in a proper striker remains the number one priority, Erik ten Hag and the Red Devils have identified their right-back position as an area that needs strengthening as well in the summer.

With neither Diogo Dalot nor Aaron Wan-Bissaka being attack-minded or productive enough for the Dutchman's liking, United have been monitoring several targets across Europe, ranging from Benjamin Pavard to Denzel Dumfries. Erik ten Hag, for his part, is said to be an admirer of Leverkusen star Frimpong, and therefore his compatriot has emerged as one of the favourites for an Old Trafford move.

READ: Ten Hag's De Gea comments send strong message on Man Utd's transfer plans

In fact, Frimpong has been one of the most scintillating full-backs in Europe this season - with nine goals and 10 assists in all competitions - and Leverkusen have reportedly already lined up a replacement in anticipation of their 22-year-old talisman getting snapped up by a bigger side.

However, due to the tension over United's ownership, Financial Fair Play regulations and their potentially dropping out of the Champions League spots given their recent form, there is uncertainty over the club's budget in the summer and how much they could realistically spend on a right-back. With United wavering, another club appears to ready to swoop in.

Frimpong to Madrid?

According to DiarioMadridista, the Dutchman is on the radar of Real Madrid, who are keen to bring in another right-back so as to be able to rest veteran Dani Carvajal, incidentally a former Leverkusen man.

Frimpong, currently being coached by Real legend Xabi Alonso, is an obvious choice, but he's not the only full-back being looked at by Los Blancos. The same report claims that Juan Foyth, frequently linked with Barcelona, and the aforementioned Diogo Dalot are also on Real Madrid's shortlist.

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As with United, there will also be questions about Real's ability to spend money on a full-back in the summer given that they are considered the favourites to pull off the pricey transfer of Jude Bellingham.