Newcastle United are reportedly keeping an eye on Bayer Leverkusen defender Jeremie Frimpong ahead of the summer transfer window.
That is according to Caught Offside, who have been told by journalist Ben Jacobs that both Newcastle and Manchester United are interested in Frimpong.
The 22-year-old currently plays in the Bundesliga, having joined Bayer Leverkusen in 2021 from Celtic for £11.5million. He was exceptional in Scotland, having moved north of the border after coming through Manchester City’s academy.
After excelling in the Scottish Premiership and Germany, there is now speculation that he could return to the Premier League this summer.
And Newcastle are reportedly keen.
What Ben Jacobs has said about Jeremie Frimpong transfer
Jacobs has told Caught Offside that Frimpong is a fullback who could be on the move this summer.
“More generally, there are a few other full-backs to keep an eye on,” he said.
“Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong is being tracked by Newcastle and Manchester United.
“And Southampton’s Kyle Walker-Peters will almost certainly be on the move if Saints go down. Tottenham considered a return and Chelsea have looked at him the past.”
Interest from Newcastle in Frimpong makes no sense
Talk of Newcastle looking at Frimpong doesn’t make much sense.
He is a 22-year-old right-back, and is someone with a very bright future in European football. His speed is incredible, and it makes him a real asset in attack. He recently played an integral role in a Moussa Diaby goal – another Bayer Leverkusen player that Newcastle have their eye on.
But while Diaby would be an amazing signing for Eddie Howe, it is unclear why there is talk of Frimpong moving to St James’ Park.
Newcastle already have one of the best right-backs around in Kieran Trippier. He recently signed a new contract with the club that will keep him around until 2025.
Is Frimpong better than Trippier? Absolutely not.
On top of that, we have only just signed a backup right-back. Harrison Ashby joined the Magpies in January from West Ham, and is tipped to be a star of the future.
Newcastle would not have signed him if they didn’t think he could replace Trippier in the future. Therefore, talk of a move for Frimpong is very odd.
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