Bayer Leverkusen have announced that defender Jeremie Frimpong has signed a new long-term contract, ending speculation about his future.
The 22-year-old’s previous deal was set to expire in 2025, which would have left Die Werkself in a precarious position when the transfer market opens in July.
However, they have moved swiftly to tie the hugely impressive Dutchman to a new long-term deal that will keep him at Bay Arena until the summer of 2028.
While this comes as massive news for those associated with the club, Celtic will also be licking their lips with excitement, considering the new deal is set to significantly increase the player’s market value.
The Scottish Premiership title holders pocketed €11 million when they sold Frimpong to Leverkusen in January 2011, raking in a substantial profit for a player they signed for around €400,000 from Manchester City.
The Hoops reportedly inserted a mouth-watering 30% sell-on clause in the deal that took Frimpong from Glasgow to the Bay Arena, so they are poised to profit even more from the eye-catching star.
Frimpong was vital to Leverkusen’s rise last season, bagging nine goals and 11 assists in 48 appearances across all competitions, constituting remarkable returns for a wing-back.
The Dutchman, who is yet to make his debut for the Netherlands, unsurprisingly drew attention from a host of European heavyweights last summer, including Manchester United, Arsenal and Real Madrid.
The youngster was previously valued at €40m, but a move away from Leverkusen failed to materialise during the summer.
Several top clubs are still monitoring the player’s development, but his new contract gives Leverkusen solid ground to negotiate an even higher price tag when the summer window rolls around.
Frimpong has continued his impressive form this season, scoring twice and setting up three goals in eight appearances across all competitions.
He has been integral to Xabi Alonso’s side, who have emerged as early contenders for the Bundesliga title and are one of only three teams yet to suffer defeat in the German top flight.
