Man City’s January Transfer Plans: Is Jeremie Frimpong the Answer to Kyle Walker’s Decline?
It’s fair to say Manchester City’s start to the season has been far from ideal, leaving Pep Guardiola searching for solutions. With the club enduring a rough patch—knocked out of the League Cup by Tottenham, back-to-back Premier League losses to Bournemouth and Brighton, and a 4-1 Champions League thrashing by Sporting—the Premier League champions now sit five points behind Liverpool.
As the January transfer window approaches, Guardiola may turn to reinforcements, with reports linking City to Bayer Leverkusen’s dynamic full-back, Jeremie Frimpong.
City Eyes on Frimpong as Walker’s Heir
According to Football Insider, City are seriously considering Frimpong as a long-term successor to Kyle Walker. The Dutch defender, who spent time in City’s academy before moving to Celtic in 2019, has flourished at Bayer Leverkusen, showcasing both attacking flair and defensive strength.
Frimpong, described as a “cheat code” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, has been a standout in the Bundesliga, with 26 goals and 38 assists across 158 appearances. This season alone, he has one goal and two assists in eight league starts. His ability to contribute in the final third makes him a compelling option, especially with his familiarity with the club’s culture and playing style.
The 23-year-old’s reported release clause of £35 million could spark a bidding war, as rivals Liverpool are also interested. However, City’s need for a dynamic right-back may see them act quickly to secure his services.
Walker’s Decline and Implications
For Kyle Walker, the prospect of Frimpong’s arrival is ominous. At 34, Walker is no longer the force he once was, and his performances this season have shown signs of decline.
Last term, Walker was a defensive powerhouse, starting 30 Premier League games, winning 54% of his ground duels, and being dribbled past just 0.6 times per match. This season, however, those numbers have slipped, with attackers finding it easier to get past him and his duel success rates falling.
While Walker remains a vital figure at City, especially with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, Frimpong’s potential signing could accelerate his transition to a squad player.
Why Frimpong is the Perfect Fit
Frimpong offers an ideal mix of attacking threat, defensive reliability, and familiarity with City’s setup. His ability to hit the ground running mid-season, thanks to his previous experience in Manchester, makes him a safer bet than an unfamiliar player requiring time to adapt.
In comparison to Walker’s current form, Frimpong’s Bundesliga stats highlight his superiority as an offensive full-back while still holding his own defensively. At just 23, he represents the future—a player who can grow and adapt to Guardiola’s high standards over the coming years.
What’s Next for City?
With 10 players currently sidelined due to injuries, including key names like Rodri, Phil Foden, and Jack Grealish, Guardiola faces a mounting challenge. Reinforcements like Frimpong could be the boost City need to reignite their season and close the gap on Liverpool in the title race.
While Walker’s contributions cannot be understated, the emergence of a younger, more dynamic replacement in Frimpong might mark the beginning of a new era for City’s defense. If the January window brings the Dutchman to the Etihad, it could be the first step in Guardiola’s efforts to reclaim dominance on all fronts.
