Frimpong to Anfield: Celtic Poised for Windfall from Leverkusen Star’s Big-Money Move

By Patrick Sinat | 13 May 2025

As Liverpool intensify their pursuit of Jeremie Frimpong, Celtic stand to reap the financial rewards from a shrewd piece of business completed over four years ago. With the Dutch international wing-back edging closer to a high-profile switch from Bayer Leverkusen to the reigning English champions, the Scottish Premiership giants are set to receive a significant cash injection—one that could meaningfully bolster the club’s summer plans.

Frimpong, now 24, has emerged as one of Europe’s most exciting full-backs. Having rebuilt his career in Germany following a low-key exit from Manchester City and a development spell at Celtic Park, the player is on the verge of what would be a landmark Premier League return. According to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg, the deal is now in “advanced talks,” with Liverpool looking at Frimpong as a potential successor to Trent Alexander-Arnold.

“Understand Liverpool are seriously pursuing Jeremie Frimpong. Advanced talks have already taken place,” Plettenberg confirmed.

“Following detailed analysis and due to his availability, he is currently one of the top options for Liverpool to potentially replace Trent Alexander-Arnold. Frimpong is planning to move this summer.”

Frimpong’s Rise in Germany

Frimpong’s development since leaving Glasgow has been nothing short of remarkable. Joining Leverkusen in January 2021, he swiftly became an integral part of the club’s high-octane, attacking style. Under manager Xabi Alonso, Frimpong thrived in a wing-back role, terrorising defences with his speed, positioning, and tireless engine.

In the 2024/25 season alone, Frimpong contributed significantly to Bayer Leverkusen’s historic treble-winning campaign—securing the Bundesliga title, the DFB-Pokal, and the German Supercup. His performances have seen him linked with multiple top clubs across Europe, but it now appears that Liverpool have edged ahead in the race for his signature.

The move, reportedly activated via a €35–40 million release clause, represents a statement of intent from Liverpool as they plan for a future potentially without Alexander-Arnold—who has been linked with a switch to Real Madrid.

Celtic’s Windfall: The Fruits of Smart Transfer Strategy

While the headlines will focus on Frimpong’s potential impact at Anfield, the deal also represents a significant boost for his former employers in Glasgow. According to sources including the Daily Record, Celtic negotiated a 30% sell-on clause when they sold Frimpong to Leverkusen in 2021 for an initial fee reported to be around £11.5 million.

That foresight could now deliver a substantial financial reward.

“The club has played an absolute blinder here,” noted one Scottish football analyst.

“If Liverpool do pay the reported fee of £36 million, then Celtic’s 30% cut—based on profit after the original sale—could land them a windfall in the region of £6.7 million.”

In the context of Scottish football, that sum is significant. Not only does it reward Celtic for the development they oversaw in Frimpong’s early professional years, but it also offers the club greater flexibility in the transfer market this summer—particularly important as Brendan Rodgers looks to shape a squad capable of Champions League qualification.

Frimpong: From Celtic Park to the World Stage

Frimpong’s journey is emblematic of Celtic’s growing reputation as a launchpad for elite-level talent. Signed from Manchester City’s academy in 2019 for a modest fee, Frimpong quickly established himself as a fan favourite at Parkhead with his pace, positivity, and fearless attacking play.

His standout performances in the Scottish Premiership and in European competition caught the eye of scouts across the continent. Though his departure to Leverkusen in 2021 came as a blow to supporters, it was a move that ultimately validated Celtic’s recruitment model—buy young, develop, sell smart.

The Dutchman’s rapid development in Germany has since made him a full international for the Netherlands, and he is now poised to join one of Europe’s elite clubs in Liverpool. In doing so, he becomes the latest success story from Celtic’s transfer pipeline, joining the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Moussa Dembélé, and Kieran Tierney in commanding major fees after leaving the Scottish champions.

Liverpool’s Long-Term Planning

Liverpool’s interest in Frimpong is more than speculative. With Alexander-Arnold entering the final year of his contract and long-rumoured to be a target for Real Madrid, the Anfield club are looking to ensure continuity in one of their most crucial tactical positions. Frimpong offers the kind of dynamic, multi-functional profile that fits well into Jürgen Klopp’s philosophy—if the German manager remains at the helm—or for whoever succeeds him if he departs in the near future.

Plettenberg’s report highlights that the club has conducted “detailed analysis” and consider Frimpong one of the “top options” on the market.

“Frimpong is planning to move this summer,” the Sky reporter added.
“The 24-year-old right wing-back can leave Leverkusen in the summer thanks to a release clause set at around €35–40m.”

Liverpool fans will likely be enthused by Frimpong’s pedigree, but it’s Celtic supporters who may have even more reason to celebrate in the short term. That £6.7 million windfall—essentially a bonus—adds considerable value to Rodgers’ transfer budget.

What It Means for Celtic’s Summer Plans

With European qualification on the horizon and a Champions League playoff looming in August, any extra revenue is timely for Celtic. The club will need to strengthen in several key areas—particularly in central midfield and defensive cover—to match Rodgers’ ambitions both domestically and in Europe.

Moreover, the sell-on clause windfall is a public relations victory as well. It highlights the club’s savvy in the transfer market and underscores the success of a recruitment policy that prizes development and long-term value over short-term gain.

This financial bonus may also enable Celtic to retain key players who could otherwise be tempted away, or to pursue marquee signings without the need to sell first. In a market where Scottish clubs are often priced out of top-tier talent, such funds can go a long way.

Looking Ahead: A Move That Benefits Everyone

Should Frimpong complete his move to Anfield in the coming weeks, the deal will be a win-win-win: for Liverpool, who gain a high-quality full-back; for Leverkusen, who profit from a well-executed release clause; and most notably for Celtic, who collect a valuable sum without needing to lift a finger.

It is a transfer that underlines the interconnected nature of European football—and the importance of intelligent clauses in modern contracts.

As Jeremie Frimpong returns to the Premier League spotlight, Celtic fans can watch with pride, knowing their club’s role in shaping his success—and with satisfaction, knowing the chequebook will soon benefit from it too.