Jeremie Frimpong’s Potential Move to Liverpool Could Hand Celtic a Major Financial Boost
Celtic could be in for a significant financial windfall this summer as former Hoops right-back Jeremie Frimpong attracts serious interest from top European clubs, particularly Liverpool. The Dutch defender has been in outstanding form for Bayer Leverkusen, playing a pivotal role in their success under Xabi Alonso. With reports indicating that Liverpool are keen to activate his €40 million (£34.7 million) release clause, Celtic fans have a vested interest in Frimpong’s future—not just because of his time at Parkhead, but also due to a lucrative sell-on clause that could bring millions into the club’s coffers.
A Clever Sell-On Clause That Could Reap Big Rewards
When Celtic sold Frimpong to Bayer Leverkusen in January 2021, they secured a 30% sell-on clause on any profit Leverkusen makes from his next transfer. At the time, Frimpong’s move to Germany was worth approximately £11 million, already considered good business for a player who had joined Celtic from Manchester City’s academy for just £350,000. However, with Frimpong’s value having soared over the past three years, Celtic now stand to benefit significantly if he moves on.
Reports suggest that Liverpool are prepared to meet Frimpong’s €40 million (£34.7 million) release clause, meaning Leverkusen would make a profit of £23.7 million (£34.7 million minus the initial £11 million fee). With Celtic entitled to 30% of this profit, they would receive around £7.1 million—an amount that could make a real impact at the club.
This deal showcases Celtic’s ability to maximise value from player sales through well-negotiated clauses. The sell-on percentage they secured with Frimpong is relatively high by industry standards, showing that the club had a long-term vision for his future value.
Frimpong’s Rise to Stardom Since Leaving Celtic
When Frimpong left Celtic for Leverkusen, many supporters were disappointed to lose such a promising young talent. However, his development since moving to Germany has been nothing short of remarkable.
At Leverkusen, Frimpong has transformed into one of Europe’s most exciting attacking full-backs. His pace, dribbling ability, and attacking instincts make him a perfect fit for Xabi Alonso’s dynamic system. While at Celtic, Frimpong was already known for his adventurous forward runs, but his final product in terms of goals and assists has improved dramatically since his move to the Bundesliga.
His performances helped Leverkusen win the Bundesliga title in the 2023/24 season, their first-ever league triumph, with Frimpong playing a key role in their attacking setup. Operating as a right-wing-back, he contributed significantly to both goals and assists, making him one of the most effective offensive defenders in European football.
His impressive form also earned him a call-up to the Netherlands national team, further increasing his market value. Now, at just 24 years old, he is being linked with some of the biggest clubs in world football, and Liverpool appear to be leading the race for his signature.
Why Liverpool Want Frimpong
Liverpool’s interest in Frimpong stems from their need to refresh and strengthen their squad as they transition into a new era under Arne Slot, who will replace Jürgen Klopp as manager at the end of the season.
A key factor in Liverpool’s pursuit of Frimpong is the uncertainty surrounding Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future. The England international has been linked with a potential move to Real Madrid, and while Liverpool would prefer to keep him, they are preparing for all scenarios. Even if Alexander-Arnold stays, Frimpong’s attacking qualities could make him a valuable addition, providing an alternative option at right-back or right wing-back.
Liverpool are not the only club interested in Frimpong. Reports suggest that Manchester United, Chelsea, and Manchester City have also been monitoring his situation. If multiple clubs enter the race for his signature, his transfer fee could rise above the £34.7 million release clause, which would further increase Celtic’s windfall.
How Celtic Could Use the Money
A potential £7.1 million boost would provide Celtic with a welcome financial injection heading into the summer transfer window. While Celtic are not a club that operates with huge spending power compared to England’s elite, such a sum could still be crucial in helping Brendan Rodgers strengthen his squad for next season.
Potential uses for the money could include:
- Strengthening the Squad
With Celtic looking to maintain dominance in Scottish football and improve their performances in European competitions, investing in key areas of the squad will be a priority. The Hoops may look to reinforce the defence, midfield, or attack, particularly if key players attract interest from other clubs.
- Securing Contract Extensions for Key Players
Keeping hold of the club’s best talent is just as important as signing new players. Funds from Frimpong’s transfer could help Celtic offer improved contracts to key figures such as Kyogo Furuhashi, Reo Hatate, or Cameron Carter-Vickers, ensuring stability in the squad.
- Investing in Infrastructure
While the majority of the money would likely be allocated towards football operations, Celtic Park and the club’s Lennoxtown training facility could also benefit from investment. Improvements in infrastructure can contribute to long-term success, attracting better players and providing the squad with the best possible conditions to develop.
A Major Financial Boost Without Selling a Current Star
What makes this potential windfall even more significant for Celtic is that it comes without the club having to sell any of their own current players. Usually, when Celtic receive large sums of money, it is because they have parted ways with a top talent like Kieran Tierney, Odsonne Édouard, or Jota.
In this case, however, the club stands to receive millions simply due to smart business decisions made in 2021. This reinforces the importance of inserting sell-on clauses into transfer deals, as they can lead to unexpected financial boosts years after a player has left the club.
What’s Next?
While nothing is confirmed yet, all signs point toward a summer move for Frimpong. With Liverpool showing serious interest and other Premier League giants lurking, it appears increasingly likely that the Dutch full-back will be on the move.
For Celtic, the focus will be on ensuring that the deal materialises and that they receive the full financial benefit from their sell-on clause. If Liverpool activate his release clause, the Hoops could see a cash injection of over £7 million—a sum that could be crucial as they look to strengthen their squad for next season.
Celtic supporters will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on developments surrounding Frimpong’s future. Whether he ends up at Anfield or another European powerhouse, his next move could have a significant impact on both his career and Celtic’s financial situation.
One thing is for sure: Jeremie Frimpong’s journey from Parkhead to Bundesliga stardom has been an incredible one—and Celtic could soon reap the rewards of their foresight when they negotiated his departure three years ago.