Ronald Koeman has slammed Manchester United target Jeremie Frimpong after the right-back refused a call-up to the Netherlands under-21 side.
Frimpong was called up by Erwin van de Looi for this summer’s European Under-21 Championship. But the 22-year-old defender has decided not to play for the Dutch side in Romania and Georgia this summer.
The Bayer Leverkusen star is yet to earn a senior cap for the Netherlands, but was part of Louis van Gaal’s squad for the Qatar World Cup. Frimpong could be on the move this summer, with United among the sides interested in signing him, but he’s in the back books of his national coach.
"Not good," Koeman said when asked about Frimpong rejecting the under-21s call-up.
“I don't think that's okay. The Dutch Juniors are playing a European Championship. If a player thinks he's gone beyond that level, I think you're making the wrong decision.”
As Mirror Football reported in April, United boss Erik ten Hag is keen on strengthening at right-back in the summer transfer window. Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka have challenged each other for the starting position this season, but Ten Hag is open to selling full-backs once the window opens on June 14.
United have held talks with Frimpong’s agent Jeffrey Lemmert over a summer move and they are believed to have been positive. More recent reports suggest that Leverkusen are willing to sell for €40million (£34m) plus add-ons in the upcoming window.
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There is bound to be competition for his signature though, with Bayern Munich and Barcelona also tracking the youngster. Frimpong knows Manchester well having come through the youth ranks at Manchester City before signing for Celtic in 2019. He made his way to Bayer Leverkusen in January 2021 and has kicked on in the past two years.
Speaking back in April, Frimpong told Sport 1: “I don’t know when I will decide about my future. I’m just concentrating on Leverkusen and the upcoming games.”
Frimpong enjoyed a stellar 2022/23 campaign, registering nine goals and 11 assists in 48 appearances across all competitions. The 22-year-old is known for his attacking playing style from right-back – something both Dalot and Wan-Bissaka are less comfortable with.
United were open to offers for Wan-Bissaka last summer, but did not receive any. Dalot recently signed a contract extension until June 2028, with an option for a further year, cementing his place in front of the former Crystal Palace player in the pecking order.
Ten Hag is open to selling Harry Maguire this summer, while Brandon Williams, Eric Bailly and Alex Telles are all expected to be sold to raise funds. The signing of a world-class striker is the top priority, while another goalkeeper is also of importance.
