Erik ten Hag has hinted at a move to Manchester United to Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
The right-back has made an admirable comeback, but his future at Manchester United remains uncertain ahead of the summer transfer market.
Nobody is surprised by Erik ten Hag’s desire for a striker this summer, but it is the most significant transfer of his Manchester United tenure thus far.
His work is made more harder by the lack of information over the outcome of the takeover process, which means he has no idea how much money he will have to spend during the transfer window.
While scoring is the major goal, it is far from the only one. A new midfielder, preferably of a younger age, is also necessary. This summer, United is expected to see more outgoings than incomings.
United are willing to let Anthony Martial leave, and club captain Harry Maguire is one player Ten Hag might let go. As United tries to navigate Financial Fair Play restrictions, any defensive reinforcements are likely to arrive only if a defender goes – or vice versa.
The team is said to be in negotiations with Bayer Leverkusen right-back Jeremie Frimpong. This season, the 22-year-old has nine goals and ten assists while playing primarily as a wing-back. United are lacking in his offensive play as a defender.
Ten Hag is sending a message to incumbent right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka by beginning negotiations with Frimpong. Diogo Dalot started every game he was available for up to the World Cup, but has subsequently lost his starting spot to the resurgent Wan-Bissaka.
The latter was offered to clubs last year but received no takers, making his turnaround since Christmas, when he had played only four minutes, astonishing.
Both have intriguing attributes, but United are in the process of re-signing Dalot, whose contract expires next year.
If Frimpong is acquired, it indicates to Wan-Bissaka that he must leave or risk vying for one place with two other players. As seen with Tyrell Malacia, this does not always imply that Frimpong would be the preferred option.
However, if contract intentions reveal who the preferred pick of the two is, Wan-Bissaka will be third-choice, which will not suffice.
Wan-Bissaka’s contract expires next year as well, although he has the option of a 12-month extension, though no such talks appear to have taken place.
If that happens, Wan-Bissaka will be in a far better position to land a suitable transfer away this time around.
While his first season and final six months have demonstrated Wan-Bissaka’s real talent, it is impossible to claim that he was worth the £50 million paid for him in 2019.
Ten Hag will have to be harsh this summer, and Wan-Bissaka could be on the receiving end of a Frimpong trade as United attempts to recoup some of their previous spending.
