When Bayer Leverkusen stumped up £11 million to sign Jeremie Frimpong from Celtic back in January 2021, the Bundesliga giants would have known, deep down, that the Bay Arena was likely to be something of a stepping stone for one of the game’s most exciting young full-backs.
“His profile as a fast player with incredible acceleration and good technique was clear. But the conclusion wasn’t, as he could improve other things. He created three or four possible chances per game, but his final ball wasn’t that good,” explains Simon Rolfes, Leverkusen’s sporting director (BuliNews).
“I thought that, if I didn’t put my trust in our coaches to help him improve that, then when would I ever choose to sign a player? Because how many full-backs are able to create three or four possible chances (a game)? Not at lot.”
According to reports, Frimpong is now on Real Madrid’s radar, following an exhilarating start to the current campaign. Manchester United, meanwhile, could break the bank on another former City starlet who made his name on German soil; the 21-year-old Dutchman potentially following in Jadon Sancho’s footsteps.
“His ability to accelerate and decelerate is world-class. If you’re world-class at something at Celtic and in the Bundesliga, that’s also the case in other leagues,” Rolfes adds, not surprised to hear that Frimpong is attracting interest from elsewhere.
“There were other things he had to improve when he came, and he has done fantastic. He has the right ambition to work on himself.”
Arsenal or West Ham United could help Bayer Leverkusen replace Jeremie Frimpong
Leverkusen are leaving nothing for chance; stepping up their pursuit of a potential replacement ahead of the January transfer window.
And, with a youthful backline struggling for consistency (Xabi Alonso’s side have conceded 26 goals in 15 games despite a recent resurgence), it seems the 2001 Champions League finalists could look to replace Frimpong’s exuberance with some much-needed experience.
According to Calciomercato, Levekusen are in talks with the agent of Arsenal benchwarmer Cedric Soares. Negotiations are also underway with West Ham United’s Vladimir Coufal (Sky Germany).
The Times say that the £4 million Czech Republic international may be available for transfer. He has reportedly lost the trust of manager David Moyes. Coufal’s rather underwhelming displays have also earned him the ire of some on the London Stadium terraces too; albeit perhaps a little unfairly (Athletic).
Now, this feels like a classic case of one or the other. Coufal or Cedric. Not both. If West Ham are willing to sell the latter, then Cedric could find himself stuck on the Arsenal bench, and vice versa.
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