Transfer Talk: Man Utd, Bayern target Leverkusen ace Frimpong
The summer transfer window won’t reopen in Europe for a while yet, but there are plenty of moves in the works and gossip swirling around. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!
TOP STORY: Bayern, Man Utd monitoring Frimpong
Bayer Leverkusen wing-back Jeremie Frimpong is on the radar of Bayern Munich and Manchester United, according to Sky Sports Deutschland’s Florian Plettenberg.
The clubs are said to be two of several top sides keeping tabs on the 23-year-old, who has been a standout player for Die Werkself this season with eight goals and seven assists in 25 league matches.
It is reported that a release clause in Frimpong’s deal could be activated with an offer in the region of €45 million, but the Netherlands international is contracted at the BayArena until 2028 and could be prepared to stay at the club now that manager Xabi Alonso has clarified his future.
Alonso recently announced that he was staying at Leverkusen amid reported interest from Liverpool and Bayern Munich, and it looks as though that could influence Frimpong’s decision, with his performances flourishing since Alonso took over in October 2022.
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.)
PAPER GOSSIP
Everton‘s Belgium international midfielder Amadou Onana is high up on the shortlist of Barcelona, writes Sport. The LaLiga side remain keen on prioritising a signing in the No. 6 position this summer, and it is said that the 22-year-old is viewed as a strong option, though a move could hinge on whether Xavi Hernandez stays on as Blaugrana manager, with Real Sociedad ace Martín Zubimendi his preferred choice. It is reported that an offer in excess of €60m would be required to land Onana.
– Juventus are set to step up their interest in VfL Wolfsburg centre-back Maxence Lacroix, reveals Calciomercato. The Bianconeri are reported to be actively monitoring potential defensive reinforcements this summer, with belief that Manchester United could make a formal approach for Bremer. Lacroix, 23, scored in his side’s 2-0 Bundesliga win over Werder Bremen on Saturday, and was linked with a potential move to Liverpool last December.
– Tottenham Hotspur are preparing to move on midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, according to Football Insider. Juventus are reported to be one of the clubs that have maintained interest in the 28-year-old’s signature, and they could be able to sign him if they meet the Premier League side’s valuation of £25m. Hojbjerg, who is set to represent Denmark at the European Championship later this summer, has also previously been linked with Atletico Madrid.
– A hands-off warning has been issued by Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe on striker Alexander Isak, reports the Telegraph. Isak, 24, joined the Magpies for a fee of £63m in 2022, and they are planning to make him a key part of their future project. He is said to be becoming “indispensable” to the squad, and they won’t listen to any enquiries for his signature.
– Wing-back Marcos Alonso is expected to leave Barcelona at the end of the season, says Fabrizio Romano. The 33-year-old’s contract has just months remaining on it, and the latest indicates that the Blaugrana have no plans to offer him an extension. He has struggled to garner regular playing time this season, having made just four appearances in LaLiga.
