Bayer Leverkusen defender Jeremie Frimpong has confirmed that Ghana approached him for a potential nationality switch, but he declined the offer, opting to wait for his debut with the Netherlands national team.
Having featured for the youth teams of the Netherlands, the Dutch-born Ghanaian had the unique opportunity to choose between representing Ghana, the Netherlands, and England at the international level.
However, Frimpong decided to play for the Oranges, making his senior debut for the Dutch national team in the Euro qualifiers against France in October, effectively ending Ghana’s pursuit of his services.
The 22-year-old expressed his happiness about making his debut for the Netherlands stating that he had long decided to play for them despite Ghana’s interest.
“The coach called me, I had a conversation with him, but my mind was already made up,” he told Joy Sports.
Despite, declining Ghana’s offer, the Ghana Football Association has gone on to convince many players to switch allegiance including Inaki Williams, Tariq Lamptey and Ransford-Yeboah Kognisdorffer among others.
Meanwhile, Frimpong has been in outstanding form in the Bundesliga, contributing to Bayer Leverkusen’s success with 13 goals across all competitions. His stellar performances have attracted attention, with Spanish giants Barcelona reportedly interested in securing his services ahead of the winter transfer window.
The talented defender was also on the radar of Arsenal and Manchester United in the previous transfer window.