Man Utd must sign Liverpool target according to Rio Ferdinand
Rio Ferdinand believes Manchester United should compete with Liverpool for Jeremie Frimpong’s signature, as his former club look to respond to their worst-ever Premier League season.
Liverpool are reportedly in the hunt to sign the Dutchman, who signed for Celtic from Manchester City’s academy before his switch to Bayer Leverkusen in 2021.
With heavy uncertainty surrounding Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future after talks over a free transfer to Real Madrid, the Reds may need to search for potential options to compete with Conor Bradley should their vice-captain depart for the Spanish capital.
Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk’s futures currently look more promising, so Alexander-Arnold’s departure could significantly impact Liverpool’s transfer strategy.
Frimpong suits Manchester United’s system more than Liverpool
Liverpool legend Xabi Alonso currently manages Frimpong at Bayer Leverkusen, using a 3-5-2, 3-4-2-1, or 3-4-3 formation.
Frimpong, a player of remarkable versatility, typically operates as a right-wing back under Alonso, however, his exceptional pace and attacking output have occasionally seen him transition to the right-wing position.
The Dutchman has registered four goals and six assists in 28 Bundesliga appearances this season, following the nine goals and nine assists in 31 games in the previous campaign, when Leverkusen went unbeaten to deny Bayern Munich their 12th consecutive title.
Since the appointment of Ruben Amorin, Manchester United has made a significant tactical shift to a 3-4-2-1 system. It sees the team utilising wing-backs as an attacking threat, a departure from using full-backs under Erik Ten Hag.
As a result of this tactical shift, the Red Devils will likely be in the market for a right-wing back, following the signing of Patrick Dorgu at left-wing back in January, with Ferdinand advocating for plenty of new additions at Old Trafford this summer.
“If I’m Man United, [Victor] Osimhen comes to Man United next year, I’m making it happen,” said Ferdinand on his Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast.
“I would sign another central midfielder this summer to play alongside Manuel Ugarte. That player needs to be able to take the ball and transfer it up the pitch. You know who I would go for? Adam Wharton. I would go get him.
“Another one I’d go and buy is [Matheus] Cunha. He’s made it clear that he wants to leave so, I’d go and get Cunha. You know who else I’d go and get? Frimpong at right wing-back.”
Is Conor Bradley ready to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold?
Purchasing Frimpong would indicate a potential change in shape for the Reds.
If the system in Slot’s second year remained the same, the Bayer Leverkusen star would expose Liverpool even more defensively than Alexander-Arnold.
Conor Bradley has filled in for Alexander-Arnold’s absence through injury throughout the season.
However, he is still not trusted to start over the England international, whether that be down to Slot’s reluctance to rotate or tactical preference.
The Northern Ireland international has impressed since returning from his loan move at Bolton Wanderers. He put in a mesmerising display against Chelsea, scoring his first Liverpool goal and picking up two assists.
Liverpool fans will certainly hope there is more to come. At the age of 21, the Reds may already have their Alexander-Arnold replacement should Bradley continue to develop over the next few years.