Genoa midfielder Morten Frendrup has had a standout season and is now catching the attention of some of Europe's biggest clubs.
The 24-year-old Dane has made 35 appearances in Serie A, scoring twice, and has proven a crucial figure as his current employers finished 13th in Serie A, 12 points clear of the bottom three.
Frendrup won the most tackles in Serie A (61) and ranks third for ball recoveries (184). And he is one of just seven players to have won 170 or more duels this season.
Hammers Among Sides Circling for Frendrup
Midfielder flattered by interest ahead of summer transfer window
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Frendrup's stamina, tenacity and composure on the ball have caught the attention of West Ham United, AC Milan and Fiorentina, with Genoa prepared to sanction a sale for around £17million this summer. Back in the summer of 2023, Liverpool also held a historical interest, a club Frendrup watched plenty of when growing up.
"I am flattered by links with some big clubs," said Frendrup, speaking exclusively to GIVEMESPORT. "However, my only focus is on Genoa. I like to stay in the present. It's nice to see my name mentioned with Premier League or European teams, but I think it's important to keep my feet on the ground and stay in the present.
"As a child, I grew up watching a lot of the Premier League, and Liverpool games in particular. I have always liked Steven Gerrard. He was the player I watched the most when I was younger. Generally, people in Denmark either follow Liverpool or Manchester United!"
Morten Frendrup's statistics for Genoa this season
Frendrup was born in the Danish village of Tuse, about five kilometres from Holbaek. At 12, he joined Brondby's highly-regarded academy and would go on to make 93 appearances for their first team, winning the 2018 Danish Cup and 2020/21 Danish Superliga. A move to Genoa followed in January 2022 for €3.5million, and Frendrup has now made over 100 appearances for the club.
"I was attracted by Genoa's history," said Frendrup, who played a club-high 3,107 minutes this season. "It's a unique and special club located in a beautiful city, and I think they try to play the right way of football. I have enjoyed living and playing here. My girlfriend and I love Liguria. Living in the mountains, surrounded by sea and with lots of beautiful small cities close by, it's so peaceful. And, of course, we love the food as well!
"And then there are the Genoa fans. They are always there through good and bad. They support us no matter what. I love the Guasto d'amore song by Bresh played before kick-off. He is my favourite singer. And the atmosphere at the Luigi Ferraris Stadium is incredible. Games are usually sold out, and we haven't lost at home in Serie A in 2025."
Frendrup Thriving Under Vieira's Stewardship
Denmark international developing game thanks to boss
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Genoa's first priority was to stay up, and they did so comfortably, but Frendrup believes the squad is capable of a top-half finish under manager Patrick Vieira. The Arsenal legend took charge in November after leaving Strasbourg and has quickly helped develop Frendrup's game.
"It's been brilliant working under Patrick," said Frendrup, who always plays golf and Padel when he is not in action. "He has a lot of experience, and knows the game so well. He has plenty of ideas and energy and is attentive to the small details. I think I have improved more on the ball under him.
"It's a shame he played for Arsenal slightly before my time. I was too young to see him play live. But he sometimes gets involved in training and then we quickly see his quality as a footballer!"
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Frendrup is a complete midfielder, capable of playing as a six or an eight. Frendrup has managed two Serie A goals in each of the last three seasons, and he is now working on enhancing his offensive numbers. Among Genoa's players, only Andrea Pinamonti took more shots than Frendrup this campaign.
"I always want to improve," said Frendrup, who won possession 20 times in the final third this season, with only Como's Nico Paz (23) bettering that number. "I'm happy with some of my stats, but I still think I can get even better.
"If you look at my heat map, you'll see I get all over the pitch. I like to run and win the ball. I want to be everywhere. And I want to add more goals to my game. If you don't shoot, you can't score. It's all about repetition drills, and I work hard in training on my shooting and timing runs into the box.
"I don't see myself as just a six. I just want to be as complete a midfielder as I can be. I was probably most influenced by Alexander Zorniger, my coach at Brondby. He had the German philosophy, encouraging high pressing. And so I am the kind of midfielder who is comfortable not being on the ball. I relish the task of winning it back."
Frendup has also been working on his leadership qualities and has been keen to mentor younger teammates, including Brooke Norton-Cuffy. The 21-year-old right-back, who has won four caps for England Under-21s, joined Genoa from Arsenal last summer and played 14 times in Serie A in 2024/25.
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"Brooke has broken into the team and has big potential," said Frendrup. "He's very talented and hard-working, always doing extra stuff in training. I think he has improved a lot this season, and that's why he's started to play more. It's been nice to see him grow.
"This season, it's fair to say I have carried some extra responsibility. It's been fun to challenge myself by trying to lead by example, on and off the field, including helping some of our younger players like Brooke."
Frendrup Battling for Spot in World Cup Squad
Adding to two caps remains a key target for 24-year-old
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Frendrup is now eyeing a place in Brian Riemer's 2026 World Cup squad, having won two caps already for his country. He was first called up to the Denmark squad last September, making his debut off the bench in the 2-0 win over Serbia.
Winning a place in Denmark's midfield is no easy task, with Pierre Emile-Hojbjerg, Christian Eriksen, Christian Norgaard, Mikkel Damsgaard, Jesper Lindstrom, Morten Hjumland, Matt O'Riley and Thomas Delaney all competing with Frendrup for spots.
"There is a lot of competition, that's for sure," conceded Frendrup. "Denmark has produced some outstanding midfielders. The level is very high, so I know I will have to perform consistently next season to stand a chance of selection for the 2026 World Cup.
"I haven't spoken specifically to the coach [Riemer] about World Cup selection, but I know I have to improve my offensive output to boost my chances, which all starts by working hard on the training field.
"I will never forget my first Denmark call-up and debut against Serbia. I was driving around with my girlfriend when she told me I had been selected for the national team. It was a big dream, something I have wanted since I was a child. And then I had goosebumps when I played in the Nations League last September. I was a little bit nervous, but the group helped me a lot.
"I really respect Christian Eriksen. He's a very talented player. And he was one of the guys who made it so easy for me to enter into the squad. And I know Rasmus Hojlund as well. We played together in Denmark's youth and Under-21 teams. He has big potential, and I am sure he can succeed at Manchester United.
"I try not to think too far ahead. Of course, I want to be part of Denmark's World Cup squad, but the priority is just to play well for Genoa, and hopefully, if I do, the rest will take care of itself."
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Frendrup is humble and grounded, and clearly fiercely loyal to Genoa. But a move this summer is possible, and something Genoa are planning for.
West Ham want to add a high-energy midfielder like Frendrup, and could even sign two. Head coach Graham Potter is understood to want both a six and a number eight, with Chelsea's Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall another option in the latter position.
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Fiorentina and AC Milan are also both in the market for a new number six, and Frendrup is viewed as appealing given he can play as a deep or central midfielder and is also capable of being utilised on the left.
GMS understands Brentford are also monitoring Frendrup, but links with Wolverhampton Wanderers are wide of the mark. With Genoa willing to sanction a sale, and Frendrup open to a new challenge, a move away might suit all parties and help the Danish midfielder in his bid to play at a first major tournament.
All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 28/05/2025
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