'Wow', 'Outstanding', 'Gutted' - Celtic fans split as Jeremie Frimpong nears Bayer Leverkusen move

Celtic full-back Jeremie Frimpong looks to be nearing a transfer away from the club – and supporters have been quick to react on social media.
Jeremie Frimpong of Celtic. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)Jeremie Frimpong of Celtic. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Jeremie Frimpong of Celtic. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

The 20-year-old defender is understood to be nearing an exit from Parkhead, with a move to German outfit Bayer Leverkusen on the cards.

Hoops manager Neil Lennon revealed on Tuesday afternoon that the Dutch international was intent on leaving Glasgow this month, and things have moved quickly from there, with the player said to be in Germany as he looks to complete his move imminently.

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According to Radio Clyde journalist Alison Conroy, a fee of around £11.5 million has been agreed between the two clubs.

Writing on his own personal Twitter account, former Hoops striker Chris Sutton suggested that the money represented a handsome coup for his old club.

He said: “£11.5m Frimpong to Leverkusen... That’s a lot based on this season’s performances...”

Frimpong joined the Bhoys from Manchester City’s youth setup for a fee of around £350,000 in 2019, and has gone on to make 51 appearances in Glasgow, with 30 of those outings coming this season.

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The Dutchman’s contract in Scotland was initially set to run until 2023, but it now looks as if he will leave the club well before the end of that deal.

Here are some of the best reactions from fans on Twitter:

@UpdatesCeltic tweeted: “Bought for £350,000, played 46 matches, can’t pass, cross or shoot and sell for £11.5m... outstanding business!”

@BusyIt tweeted: “Wow! Crazy money for a player without a final ball in his locker! Suppose that’s down to an inept manager who cannot improve players. They either go sideways or backwards under NL’s management. Good luck to the boy, chance to work under a proper head coach”.

@gavinmccauley tweeted: “Came to us with so much potential and its shocking how far he regressed under Lennon. Dembele will be the next to go. Another wasted talent at Celtic”.

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@gf1888 tweeted: “That's a great return for a guy that was bought as a project. Plays well on his day but has trouble beating the first man with his delivery. Maybe highlights that something isn't right in the dressing room at Parkhead. All the best. Good business for both parties.”

@Johnny_Carey tweeted: “Got to take that kind of money when it is offered if he is keen to leave. “He looked very promising last year, but like so many, seems to have gone downhill this year. Not sure how much we paid for him, but given his performances this year, I’d bite hand off for £10m or over.”

Some fans were less enthused by the prospect of Frimpong leaving, however.

@dconnick3 tweeted: “Gutted to see him go”.

@BagginsGSX1250 tweeted: “Raw talent - came in looked a great prospect. No final ball as yet but potentially a good coach will help him develop. He is not getting that at Celtic - the opposite indeed. It’s a no-brainer for him and expect many to follow given the shambles that is Celtic.”

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@CaptDaddyPuppy tweeted: “Cracking player, gutted to see him go, hasn't had a great season but let's face it - not many in our squad have (and we all know why). Good luck to him!”

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