Sport Nation 2Manchester City’s slow start to the 2024-2025 season, marked by a surprising four-game losing streak, has raised concerns about the club’s form. Under Pep Guardiola’s management, City have been synonymous with consistent success, but this dip in performance has prompted the Spanish coach to seek reinforcements for his squad. One player reportedly on Guardiola’s radar is Jeremie Frimpong, the dynamic full-back who has impressed since his departure from Celtic to Bayer Leverkusen.
Jeremie Frimpong’s Rise to Prominence
Frimpong, who began his professional career at Manchester City before moving to Celtic in 2019, has seen his career skyrocket since joining Bayer Leverkusen in 2021. The 23-year-old has developed into one of the most effective attacking full-backs in Europe, contributing significantly to Leverkusen’s success, including their historic double last season. Frimpong’s speed, technical ability, and attacking contributions have caught the attention of top European clubs, making him a highly sought-after player.
His impressive performances in the Bundesliga, coupled with his strong defensive qualities, have made him a key figure for Leverkusen. Frimpong’s versatility in both defense and attack has made him one of the best full-backs in Germany, and it appears that his development is only going to continue upward. As a result, he has been linked with some of the biggest clubs in Europe, and now, Manchester City are reportedly interested in bringing him back to England.
Pep Guardiola’s Interest
Reports from FootballTransfers suggest that Pep Guardiola is keen to strengthen Manchester City’s defense, with two new defenders reportedly high on his wishlist for the upcoming transfer windows. Frimpong has emerged as a prime target, and Guardiola’s admiration for the Dutchman’s playing style and capabilities is no secret. City’s full-back options have been under scrutiny this season, and Guardiola is reportedly eager to add Frimpong to his ranks, particularly as the team looks to return to form in the second half of the season.
Frimpong’s pace, technical ability, and attacking threat from right-back could provide Manchester City with an added dimension, both defensively and going forward. His ability to link up with forwards, deliver dangerous crosses, and contribute goals makes him an ideal fit for Guardiola’s tactical setup. Given Manchester City’s focus on possession and fluid attacking play, Frimpong’s qualities could help the club maintain its dominance in English and European football.
The Celtic Connection
Frimpong’s potential move to Manchester City would carry significant implications for both the player and his former club, Celtic. When Frimpong left Celtic for Bayer Leverkusen in 2021, the Scottish club reportedly inserted a sell-on clause into the deal. This means that if Frimpong is sold for a significant fee in the future, Celtic stands to receive a percentage of the transfer fee.
The prospect of Frimpong moving to a club like Manchester City would likely result in a substantial transfer fee, which would be a major financial boost for Celtic. This sell-on clause could prove to be a valuable asset for the Scottish giants, especially if Frimpong continues to rise in stature and attract bids from top clubs across Europe. A move to Manchester City could see Frimpong’s value skyrocket, which in turn would benefit Celtic financially.
Frimpong’s Next Step
For Frimpong, the move to Manchester City would be a significant step in his career. While he has established himself as one of the top full-backs in the Bundesliga, a return to the Premier League could offer him a chance to compete at the highest level and showcase his talents on the global stage. At just 23, Frimpong is at an ideal age to make the leap to a club with the ambitions and resources of Manchester City.
However, the competition at City would be fierce. Guardiola already has several quality full-backs, including João Cancelo (who has been loaned to Barcelona) and Kyle Walker, meaning Frimpong would need to fight for a starting spot. Nevertheless, his explosive playing style, versatility, and ability to adapt to Guardiola’s tactical demands could help him earn a key role in City’s setup.
The possibility of playing under one of the world’s best managers in Guardiola could prove to be an enticing prospect for Frimpong. Guardiola has a proven track record of developing players and refining their skills, and Frimpong would likely benefit from his expertise. The move would not only elevate Frimpong’s career but could also be a catalyst for further success on both the domestic and international stages.
Interest from Other Clubs
While Manchester City are reported to be leading the race for Frimpong, they are far from the only club interested in securing his services. Several top clubs across Europe are said to be monitoring Frimpong’s progress, including Premier League rivals and teams from Spain and Italy. His impressive performances for Bayer Leverkusen have put him on the radar of some of the best teams in the world, and it remains to be seen whether Manchester City will face competition for his signature.
Frimpong’s rapid rise and consistent performances have made him one of the most sought-after young full-backs in Europe, and his next move could be one of the most high-profile transfers of the next window. Whether it’s a return to the Premier League or a move to another elite European club, Frimpong’s future is one to watch closely.
Celtic’s Perspective
For Celtic, the potential sale of Frimpong would be bittersweet. While the club would undoubtedly miss his dynamic presence, the financial windfall from the sell-on clause would be a significant boost. Celtic have seen a number of players move on to bigger clubs in recent years, with the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Kieran Tierney, and Moussa Dembélé all making high-profile moves. Frimpong could follow in their footsteps, and Celtic would take pride in the fact that their development system continues to produce players capable of competing at the highest levels.
At the same time, Celtic will want to ensure that they continue to nurture and develop talent to maintain their competitive edge in Scottish football. The club’s academy has been vital to their success, and players like Frimpong are a testament to the club’s commitment to developing young talent.
Conclusion
Jeremie Frimpong’s rise to prominence in the Bundesliga has caught the attention of some of Europe’s top clubs, with Manchester City reportedly at the forefront of the race for his signature. The 23-year-old full-back has established himself as one of the best in his position, and his move to City would be a significant step in his career. For Manchester City, Frimpong represents a valuable addition to their squad, bringing pace, technical ability, and versatility to their defense. For Celtic, the potential sale of Frimpong could provide a financial windfall through the sell-on clause in his contract. With Frimpong’s future uncertain, all eyes will be on the upcoming transfer windows to see where the talented full-back will end up.
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