Bayer 04 Leverkusen are tinkering with the team of the future and continue to plan firmly with Jeremie Frimpong (22), whose contract was extended prematurely by three more years on Tuesday.
It is no longer a big surprise. It had already been leaked in the past few days that Jeremie Frimpong would sign a new contract with Bayer 04 in the near future. Shortly after world champion Exequiel Palacios extended his contract, which runs until 2025, to 2028, it was Frimpong’s turn on Tuesday. The Dutchman’s contract, which originally ran until 2025, was also extended early by three more years until 2028.
“Jeremie Frimpong has not only developed into an absolute popular figure in our team over the past few years,” Simon Rolfes, managing director of sport at Bayer 04, is quoted as saying on the club’s website. “In his position as an attacking right-back, he has become one of the best players in the Bundesliga during this time. The contract extension underlines Jeremie’s importance for our Werkself.”
Frimpong, who trained with Manchester City from 2010 to 2019, had moved to the Bundesliga in January 2021 after just over a year and a half in a Celtic Glasgow shirt. Since then, things have gone steadily for the speedy track player, with ten Bundesliga appearances in the 2020/21 season followed by 25 (one goal) in 2021/22 and 34 (eight goals) last season.
“It’s great fun to be a part of this team “
In the current season, the perennial favourite has played in all six Bundesliga matches, the cup opener and the Europa League. The club can cope with the fact that the Bundesliga leaders have to grant the outstandingly effective full-back an exit clause. Especially as this contract option is likely to be attractive for both sides – a win-win situation.
The time under the Bayer cross has left its mark on Frimpong. “A lot has happened since then, we’ve experienced great things and kept improving as a team,” finds Frimpong, adding: “It’s great fun to be part of this team.”
On Thursday, the first Europa League away game awaits at Molde FK. It is quite possible that Frimpong will be back in the starting eleven then, unlike at the start of the competition.
