Manchester City identify Real Madrid-linked defender as Kyle Walker replacement: Reports

Manchester City have started exploring the possibility of a move for Real Madrid target and Bayer Leverkusen star Jeremie Frimpong as a replacement for Kyle Walker. The England international appears to be struggling this season, particularly in the club's ongoing slump, leading to doubts about his future in the team.

The 34-year-old full-back has been a crucial part of Pep Guardiola's Manchester City for a number of seasons. Given Walker's incredible recovery pace, the Cityzens could press high without worrying about threats on the counter. However, in the 4-0 humbling against Tottenham Hotspur on November 23, the right-back could not keep with Timo Werner, who sprinted past him to set up Spurs' fourth goal.

Despite having 18 months left on his contract, Graeme Bailey has reported that Manchester City are ready to let Kyle Walker move elsewhere, and want to sign Jeremie Frimpong as his replacement. The Netherlands international has become one of the most sought-after players in his position in Europe due to his brilliant attacking output from full-back.

According to the report, Manchester City have internally conceded the 2024-25 Premier League title after their defeat to Liverpool left them 11 points behind the leaders. The club is now preparing for the rebuild that will inevitably take place once new director of football Hugo Viana takes over from Txiki Begiristain in the summer.

Dutch right-back Jeremie Frimpong has produced impressive attacking numbers at Bayer Leverkusen, with 27 goals and 39 assists in 161 appearances for the Bundesliga outfit. The 23-year-old is expected to cost around £33.6 million.

Frimpong is wanted by Real Madrid, who are also looking to replace their ageing right-backs Dani Caravajal and Lucas Vazquez. City will, however, hope that the ten years Frimpong spent in their academy before leaving for Celtic in 2019 will cause him to choose them over the Spanish giants.

Manchester City, Real Madrid linked with move for Saudi-based star - Reports

Manchester City and Real Madrid have been linked with a move for Spanish midfielder Gabri Veiga, who plays for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli. According to Estadio Deportivo (via GOAL), the 22-year-old former Celta Vigo man is ready to call time on his Saudi Arabian adventure.

Gabri Veiga caused quite a stir in 2023 when he joined Al-Ahli for a reported €30 million from Celta despite interest from Napoli, Liverpool, and a host of European sides. Los Blancos legend Toni Kroos, notably, referred to his transfer as "shameful." 18 months down the line, the Spaniard may end up joining Los Blancos.

While Veiga is not pushing for an exit from the Saudi giants, he is open to a return to Europe, and both City and Real are in need of midfield reinforcement. He has scored four goals and provided an assist in 19 appearances for Al-Ahli this season.