Man City makes 100% progress to re-sign Ex defender back to Etihad to help Pep make instant return to EPL

Manchester City have taken a major step forward in their mission to bring back Jeremie Frimpong, with multiple reports indicating that the Premier League giants are now deep in talks to re-sign the right-back from Bayer Leverkusen. The club is said to be preparing a comprehensive package to facilitate the Dutchman’s return to the Etihad, as Pep Guardiola looks to reshape his squad for the 2025/26 season.

Frimpong, now 24, is no stranger to Manchester City. A product of the club’s academy, he left the blue half of Manchester in 2019 to seek first-team football elsewhere—a move that saw him join Celtic and, later, Bayer Leverkusen. But after four years of immense growth and standout performances, Guardiola appears convinced that now is the time to bring the versatile defender home.

Sources close to the negotiations have confirmed that Frimpong is at the top of City’s summer wishlist. Pep Guardiola, who is set to oversee a significant squad overhaul after City’s underwhelming 2024/25 campaign, sees the Dutch international as a perfect fit for his evolving tactical blueprint. The right-back slot, in particular, is a priority area after Kyle Walker’s loan move to AC Milan in January left a glaring hole on the flanks.

City’s interest in Frimpong signals more than just nostalgia—it’s about tactical intent. Guardiola is planning to reinvigorate his side, with a focus on youth, speed, and technical sharpness. Frimpong, who thrived under Xabi Alonso in a high-octane system at Bayer Leverkusen, brings precisely those qualities. His pace, creativity, and attacking flair make him one of the most sought-after full-backs in Europe today.

The Dutchman was a key cog in Bayer Leverkusen’s historic Bundesliga-winning campaign in 2023/24. Operating predominantly as a wing-back in Alonso’s fluid 3-4-3 system, Frimpong racked up an astonishing 14 goals and 12 assists. This season, though Leverkusen have faltered somewhat, Frimpong has continued to shine, with four goals and six assists already under his belt. His consistency has turned heads across Europe, but Guardiola appears the most eager to act.

Former City defender Micah Richards believes the move makes sense on multiple levels. “Frimpong already understands what it means to wear the badge. He knows the expectations and has matured into a top-tier talent. Re-signing him would be a masterstroke for Pep,” said Richards, speaking on a Premier League panel discussion.

City’s technical director Txiki Begiristain is already leading negotiations, reportedly laying the groundwork for a transfer deal worth around £40–45 million. That figure, though steep, represents good value in today’s inflated market—especially for a player entering his prime and who could slot seamlessly into Guardiola’s system. Frimpong is also expected to be offered a salary package that would see him earn roughly £120,000 per week, a significant bump from his current deal at Leverkusen.

Frimpong’s attacking data speaks volumes. He averages nearly three successful dribbles per game and creates almost two chances per 90 minutes. These numbers not only outshine many of his Premier League counterparts but also suggest he could bring a new dynamic to City’s flanks—especially if Guardiola continues experimenting with asymmetrical formations, where one full-back pushes higher up the pitch while the other holds back.

Crucially, the return of Frimpong could also signal a stylistic shift. Kyle Walker, while vital for his defensive reliability and recovery speed, was never known for his creative edge. Frimpong, on the other hand, offers both the defensive discipline Pep demands and the attacking threat the manager craves, particularly in transitions and high-possession scenarios.

City are also aware of growing competition for Frimpong’s signature. Liverpool, under new manager Arne Slot, have entered the race as they plan for a future that may not include Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose contract situation remains unresolved. Slot reportedly sees Frimpong as a potential like-for-like replacement, given their similar offensive profiles and Dutch connections.

Manchester United have also been linked in passing, though insiders claim the Red Devils are focused on central defense and midfield rather than splashing out on a new right-back—especially with Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka already on the books. This leaves Liverpool as the main rival in City’s pursuit, though Frimpong’s history with the club could give Pep’s side the upper hand.

From a financial angle, Celtic stand to benefit if the deal goes through. The Scottish giants inserted a sell-on clause when they sold Frimpong to Leverkusen in 2021, reportedly worth around 15% of any future transfer profit. That could amount to a sizeable windfall should City finalize the move, giving the Hoops another reason to monitor developments closely.

With the summer window fast approaching, Manchester City are expected to push ahead aggressively. Guardiola wants his major targets signed early to ensure a full pre-season of integration. And with Frimpong ticking every box—experience, potential, and familiarity with the City ethos—it’s clear why the club is making 100% progress on bringing him back.

If City succeed in sealing this deal, it could mark the beginning of a transformative window. With other potential exits looming—including that of Bernardo Silva—and the need to reinforce in several areas, the Frimpong signing might set the tone for an aggressive summer rebuild at the Etihad.

For Pep Guardiola, it’s about more than just reclaiming the Premier League crown. It’s about evolving the next great City team—and Jeremie Frimpong, it seems, is at the heart of that vision.