Jeremie Frimpong’s footballing journey is nothing short of inspiring. Once dismissed by Manchester City’s famed academy as not fitting their plans, the Dutch wing-back has risen to stardom at Bayer Leverkusen, establishing himself as one of the world’s most exciting players.
With Manchester United now embracing a style of play tailor-made for his talents, Frimpong could be the missing piece in their evolving system.
The Road to Redemption
Manchester City’s decision to let Frimpong leave was a turning point in his career. During his time in City’s youth setup, Frimpong sensed the writing was on the wall.
He was often overlooked, playing down an age group while his peers progressed. The final blow came when City expressed doubts over his physicality, leaving him with no clear path to the first team.
Reflecting on his departure, Frimpong shared: “I couldn’t get into the team… They told me I was too small and it would be too physical. I realised I had to take a different step.”
That step was Celtic. The Glasgow club offered Frimpong a platform to showcase his abilities. Joining in 2019, his blistering pace, energy, and attacking flair quickly made him a standout performer.
It wasn’t long before German giants Bayer Leverkusen came calling, and in January 2021, Frimpong made the leap to the Bundesliga.
Thriving Under Xabi Alonso
While Frimpong impressed during his early days in Germany, it was under manager Xabi Alonso that he truly blossomed. Alonso’s innovative use of the wing-back position transformed Frimpong into a dual threat: relentless in attack and dynamic in transition.
The 2023/24 season was a testament to his evolution. Frimpong contributed 14 goals and 12 assists, helping Leverkusen secure their first-ever Bundesliga title and a DFB-Pokal victory.
Although the Europa League final ended in heartbreak, Leverkusen’s achievements ensured the season would be remembered as historic.
Frimpong’s numbers were remarkable for a player primarily deployed as a wing-back. Alongside stars like Florian Wirtz and Victor Boniface, he became one of the pillars of Alonso’s high-flying squad, earning recognition as one of the world’s premier players in his role.
A Perfect Fit for Manchester United?
Interestingly, Manchester United had Frimpong on their radar as far back as the summer of 2023. While the club opted against making a move, his talents have remained impossible to ignore.
Now, with newly-appointed head coach Ruben Amorim implementing his signature 3-4-3 formation, the door may be open once more.
Amorim’s tactical system relies heavily on attacking wing-backs to provide width and contribute in the final third—an area where Frimpong excels. His pace, creativity, and direct style align perfectly with the demands of the role.
Unlike traditional full-backs, Frimpong thrives when given the freedom to push forward, knowing his defensive gaps will be covered by a right-sided center-back.
For United, whose current options at wing-back include Diogo Dalot and Amad Diallo, the addition of Frimpong would inject a new level of dynamism.
With 26 goal contributions last season, Frimpong’s attacking output is unrivaled among players in his position. He offers a unique combination of explosive pace, technical ability, and a killer instinct in the final third—qualities United sorely lack.
A Tale of What Could Have Been
Had things turned out differently, both Manchester clubs could have benefited from Frimpong’s talent.
As the two rivals prepare to face each other in the Manchester Derby, it’s easy to imagine how Frimpong’s presence could have strengthened either side.
For City, his departure represents a rare misstep in their academy’s otherwise sterling record. For United, he now represents a tantalising “what if”—a player who could have been signed at a bargain price to fill a glaring need.
While Frimpong remains a key figure for Leverkusen, his journey from rejection to superstardom is a testament to his determination and skill.
At just 24 years old, the best may still be yet to come—and perhaps one day, Manchester United will look back and wonder what might have been.
Jeremie Frimpong’s story serves as a reminder: sometimes, a setback is the greatest catalyst for success. Manchester City may have let him slip through their fingers, but for clubs like Manchester United, he could yet become the solution they’ve been waiting for.
