Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes has explained the process behind signing former Celtic defender Jeremie Frimpong in 2021.
The 21-year-old joined the German Bundesliga side in January last year, departing the Hoops for a fee believed to be in the region of £11 million.
His move to Germany came just 18 months after arriving at Parkhead as a young emerging talent from Manchester City as he broke into the side under ex-boss Neil Lennon.
Frimpong was an extremely popular character around Celtic Park, and it was clear to see his ability from the outset, with his pace and dribbling ability leaving opposition defenders helpless.
So it would have come as no surprise to see the fullback linked with some huge clubs from across Europe. However, his move came out of nowhere at a difficult time for the club.
During an extremely disappointing run of form, the Dutch defender made the move to Germany, departing late in the January window.
Considering the player had joined for such a small fee, the club made big money back on Frimpong, and he has since gone on to excel in the Bundesliga.
Speaking in a recent interview regarding Bayer Leverkusen’s business in the market over the last few years, the club’s sporting director Simon Rolfes reflected on the process of signing the former Celtic man.
The 40-year-old explained that by using data and assessing the ‘world-class’ parts of his game at Celtic, the German side made the move for a young player who was a little rough around the edges.
He said [Buli News]: “We are looking for players who are ambitious and resilient and who has the willingness to work hard. They need to have professionalism and discipline and understand that playing football is a job. If it’s not the main target in your life to improve and be successful as a footballer, you won’t be able to compete at the top.”
“His profile as a fast player with incredible acceleration and good technique was clear, but the conclusion wasn’t, as he could improve other things. He created three or four possible chances per game, but his last ball wasn’t that good.
“I thought that if I didn’t put my trust in our coaches to help him improve that, then when would I ever choose to sign a player? Because how many full-backs are able to create three or four possible chances? Not a lot.”
Rolfes continued: “His ability to accelerate and decelerate is world-class. If you’re world-class at something at Celtic and in the Bundesliga, that’s also the case in other leagues. There were other things he had to improve when he came, and he has done fantastic. He has the right ambition to work on himself.”
Frimpong signing was a fantastic example of the gems Celtic can find in the market.
During the same window that Frimpong arrived at Celtic Park, former manager Neil Lennon had already signed another two right-back options in, Hatem Elhamed and Moritz Bauer.
So, it was clear to see that the man who signed from the Manchester City academy was regarded as one for the future.
However, from his first appearance in the green and white Hoops, you could see the talent that the youngster possessed, and he quickly went on to become the club’s number one full-back option.
The signing of Frimpong also showcased the sort of gems that Celtic can pick up in the market, from the academy sides of these huge European outfits.
With the addition of former City Group Head of CFG Scouting and Recruitment, Mark Lawwell, the club could now have another key asset on board when it comes to finding these bargains.
The example of Frimpong can be utilised by the club, exhibiting exactly what coming to Celtic can do for a young player, with the full-back now competing at the highest level and being linked with moves to Manchester United.
Thanks to the success of Ange Postecoglou’s squad over the last 15 months, I am sure plenty of scouts from across the globe will be watching closely, which could help benefit Celtic positively in the transfer market.
In other news, Celtic tease behind-the-scenes content as broadcast details for Sydney announced.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
