Real Madrid News
Real Madrid interested in Manchester United full-back target – report
Real Madrid have some concerns in the full-back department heading into the summer transfer window. Dani Carvajal’s form has deteriorated while Lucas Vazquez is not a natural right-back.
On the left side, there are question marks over Ferland Mendy’s continuity. So, even though a deal for Fran Garcia is in place, a new left-back could also arrive. But, a new right-back could be a greater priority for the champions of Spain and Europe.
And, according to Mundo Deportivo, Bayer Leverkusen right-back Jeremie Frimpong has emerged as a transfer target for Real Madrid.
The 22-year-old Dutch defender has been a revelation at the Bundesliga outfit, with his game particularly improving under the tutelage of Real Madrid legend Xabi Alonso.
In 35 games this season, Frimpong has scored seven goals and set up nine more, showcasing great attacking abilities from the full-back slot.
The former Celtic man is attracting interest from several clubs across Europe, with Manchester United also said to be among his admirers.
Frimpong starlet is contracted with Bayer Leverkusen until the summer of 2025. The right-back recently revealed his admiration for Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr, saying:
“I love watching Vinicius at Real Madrid: he’s so calm on the ball, so skilful, he never panics. He plays freely, I love it. When Vinicius loses the ball, he tries again. In football, when you lose the ball, sometimes you don’t want to try it again. But that never affects Vinicius.”
Apart from Frimpong, Real Madrid are also interested in Reece James of Chelsea, although a move for the England star looks unlikely.
Juan Foyth of Villarreal is also said to be on the radars of Los Blancos, but his €54 million release clause could become an issue. Vinicius Tobias, impressing for Castilla, can be signed permanently, but lacks the experience at the first-team level.
Thus Frimpong could be the most feasible target for Real Madrid should they decide to invest in a new right-back.
Real Madrid set out on a mission to change the minds of Dani Ceballos, Marco Asensio and Nacho Fernandez earlier this week. After all, all three players were contemplating a departure from the club for a gross lack of minutes.
Los Blancos’ latest approach seems to have impacted Ceballos’ position in a positive fashion. However, Fabrizio Romano reveals that it has not changed Marco Asensio’s mind.
According to the Italian journalist, the Spaniard will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season as a free agent.
Of the numerous options on his table, he sees Aston Villa and PSG to be the best bets. In fact, Villa have already submitted their opening bid for the player as revealed by Fabrizio Romano once again.
After a dramatic final day of action in the Premier League, Aston Villa finished in the European spots and will participate in the UEFA Conference League next season. While a move to the English club would be a steep step down, it will see Asensio receive regular playing time.
Paris-Saint Germain, on that front, appears the more probable destination. The French club are close to losing both Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr ahead of the new season, and Asensio would thus fit in as a starting quality winger. Moreover, they offer Champions League football.
The Spaniard’s role at Real Madrid this season has not been minor by any means considering his contributions. In 30 La Liga appearances, the 27-year-old has scored nine goals and provided six assists in addition to creating nine big chances and averaging 1.4 key passes per game.
However, that does not satisfy the winger who wishes to be a starter week in and week out. His departure in June appears to be now written in stone, and the club should feel hard done to not make a penny of his move.
Many in Los Blancos’ administration see Brahim Diaz as a direct replacement for the Spanish international if he leaves. Needless to say, the AC Milan star’s future will closely depend on Asensio’s situation.
