Journalist not sold on idea of Jeremie Frimpong to Manchester United as a right-back

We’re delighted to welcome freelance journalist Alex Barker, also known asEuro Expert, who has worked for Breaking The Lines, GFFN and more, as our exclusive columnist. Each week he will be giving his views on the biggest talking points on Wonderkids across the UK…

Manchester United should think twice about signing Jeremie Frimpong as an option for right-back, because that might not be his position says Alex Barker.

The Dutch youth international has been a stand-out performer for Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga this season, shining particularly under Xabi Alonso since his arrival as a wing-back.

It’s been reported (Florian Plettenberg, 21 October) that the Red Devils are interested in potentially bringing Frimpong to Old Trafford to compete with Diogo Dalot as a starting right-back, but journalist Barker believes any clubs interested should hold their horses as he feels the player’s future could be further forward.

“I don’t think he’s a right-back,” he told The Football Wonderkids.

“I think he’s an excellent player. At Leverkusen under the previous coach he was beginning to get pushed forward more a really attacking right wing-back, much more than just a normal wing-back.

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“We were seeing that quite a lot in Gerardo Seoane’s season, but since Xabi Alonso has come in they’re playing a three-at-the back on paper but Frimpong is just playing as a right winger.

“He’s like the last player defending, one of the furthest players forward.

“If Man United are looking for a right-back, I wouldn’t be high on bringing in someone who is just not playing that position at the moment.

“I think it’s well worth European clubs waiting on what position Frimpong ends up in, and then making a decision on if a transfer is worthwhile.”

Dalot’s contract at the club is currently set to expire at the end of the season, although Manchester United have the option of extending it by a further year.

Frimpong on the other hand is contracted to Leverkusen until 2025.

In other Manchester United news, scouting expert doesn’t expect Jadon Sancho to be in England’s World Cup squad