Man City could be about to hand Celtic £7m as Neil Lennon decision pays off

Manchester City could be set to pay Celtic a bumper £7.3million if the Premier League club land Jeremy Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen. The reigning champions are reportedly interested in a deal for their former academy star.

City sold Frimpong to Celtic for £300,000 in 2019, with the speedy wing-back failing to make an appearance for Pep Guardiola’s senior squad. He excelled in the Scottish Premiership and was signed by Bayer Leverkusen in a £11.75m switch in 2021.

The 23-year-old has since become one of the most in-demand stars in European football. His performances at right-wing-back were crucial as Leverkusen went unbeaten in the Bundesliga last season.

Xabi Alonso could face a major battle keeping hold of the Netherlands international. According to the Daily Mail, City have entered the race to sign their former player.

The report claims that Celtic will be due 30 per cent of any profit Leverkusen make in a future transfer, an agreement which was struck during Neil Lennon’s tenure. Frimpong has a £34m release clause, meaning the club that eventually buys him will owe the Scottish champions £7.3m.

City are in dire need of a refresh after a horrid run of form. Seven winless games, compounded by Sunday’s 2-0 defeat at Liverpool, is the worst run of Guardiola’s managerial career.

A deal for Frimpong would re-energise City’s right-hand side, where a 34-year-old Kyle Walker has struggled to meet his previously high standards. Rico Lewis can also play at right-back but the England teenager’s form has also suffered a drop this season.

Speaking last year about the possibility of a return to City, Frimpong said: “It would be great, but I don’t know. They have just won the Champions League and are the best team in the world. In the future we will see.”

Liverpool have also been linked with a move for Frimpong. The Reds are looking at alternatives to Trent Alexander-Arnold should the academy graduate snub a new contract and accept a free transfer switch to Real Madrid.

Just like Alexander-Arnold, Frimpong is extremely prolific for a full-back and is known for his creativity. He scored 14 goals and provided 13 assists across all competitions last season. This term, Frimpong has scored twice and assisted seven times.

The former Dutch youth international has the bonus of being versatile. He can also play on the left and has featured in midfield and attacking roles for Leverkusen.