Celtic are set to reap significant financial rewards from former right-back Jeremie Frimpong, as speculation intensifies around a potential big-money transfer for the Dutch international.

Soccer Football – DFB Cup – Semi Final – Bayer Leverkusen v Fortuna Duesseldorf – BayArena, Leverkusen, Germany – April 3, 2024
Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso with Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong after the match REUTERS/Wolfgang Rattay DFB REGULATIONS PROHIBIT ANY USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS AS IMAGE SEQUENCES AND/OR QUASI-VIDEO.

The 23-year-old, now a standout player for Bayer Leverkusen, has attracted interest from some of Europe’s elite clubs, including Manchester City and Liverpool, potentially triggering a £7.3 million payout for the Scottish champions. [MailSport]

Frimpong’s arrival at Celtic in 2019 was a relatively low-profile move. Signed from Manchester City’s academy for a modest £300,000, the then-teenager wasted no time making an impression. His electrifying pace, attacking flare, and fearless performances from the right-back position quickly endeared him to the Parkhead fans.

Under Neil Lennon, Frimpong developed into one of the most exciting young players in Scottish football. His energetic style brought an attacking edge to Celtic’s play, while his maturity beyond his years suggested he had the potential to reach the very top of the game.

In January 2021, Celtic made the difficult decision to sell Frimpong to Bayer Leverkusen for a reported £11.75 million. While losing such a promising player was a blow, the deal included a 30% sell-on clause on any future profit, which now looks set to pay off handsomely.

Frimpong’s move to Bayer Leverkusen proved to be transformative. Under the guidance of manager Xabi Alonso, he has blossomed into one of Europe’s best full-backs. Known for his blistering speed and attacking contributions, Frimpong has added defensive solidity to his game, making him a key figure for the Bundesliga champions.

His performances have helped Leverkusen win the Bundesliga and reach a Europa League final, further enhancing his reputation. With 30 goal involvements in his last two seasons, Frimpong is no longer seen as a promising prospect but as an established star.

Unsurprisingly, Frimpong’s rise has caught the attention of Europe’s top clubs. Manchester City, his former team, are reportedly considering triggering his £34 million release clause. With Kyle Walker now 34 years old, Pep Guardiola is believed to see Frimpong as a natural successor, capable of thriving in the English champions’ system.

Liverpool is also rumoured to be monitoring Frimpong, particularly as they navigate contract negotiations with Trent Alexander-Arnold. The possibility of Frimpong adding depth and competition to Liverpool’s defensive and attacking setup has made him an attractive option.

Should Bayer Leverkusen secure a £34 million transfer fee, Celtic stand to benefit significantly. Under the terms of their sell-on clause, they would pocket 30% of the £22.25 million profit made by Leverkusen, amounting to a £7.3 million windfall.

This figure, when added to the initial £11.75 million transfer fee Celtic received in 2021, would bring the total earnings from Frimpong’s transfer dealings to nearly £19 million—an incredible return on their initial £300,000 investment.

Frimpong’s time at Celtic may have been brief, but it was impactful. He made an immediate impression by winning the Man of the Match award on his debut in a League Cup tie against Partick Thistle. His first professional goal came soon after, against Aberdeen, and he played a pivotal role in Celtic’s domestic dominance during his tenure.

One of the standout moments of his Celtic career came in the 2019 League Cup final, where Frimpong’s energy and determination were instrumental in a hard-fought victory over Rangers, despite his sending off -‘Oh my days!’

Frimpong

Whether he returns to Manchester City or joins another Premier League powerhouse, it’s another success story of Celtic’s transfer strategy.

The potential windfall from Frimpong’s transfer comes at an ideal time.

Brendan Rodgers looking to strengthen his squad in the January transfer window, with a left-winger and a striker on the shopping list. A left-back could become a priority too, with Greg Taylor’s future uncertain.

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