According to a recent report by the Scottish Sun, Celtic full-back Jeremie Frimpong is said to be attracting transfer interest from England, with a host of Championship clubs claimed to be keen on his services. The report suggests that a variety of teams from England’s second division are monitoring the speedster’s situation at Parkhead, although Celtic are suggested to be considering offering him a contract extension. The Dutchman has been a Celtic player from the start of last season and has since become a key part of Neil Lennon’s system at the club.
Although the report has clarified that various English clubs are interested in Celtic’s Jeremie Frimpong, whether or not the Hoops are willing to sell their man remains to be seen. Apart from several Championship clubs, it has been claimed that the Dutchman is attracting interest from the Premier League as well, with Ralph Hasenhuttl’s Southampton reportedly looking to make a move too.
While Frimpong’s departure would undoubtedly be a blow, there is reportedly also the possibility of Hatem Abd Elhamed demanding a move back to his home country, which would then leave the Celts in an extremely sensitive position.
What Is Celtic’s Current Right-Back Situation?
The Ibrox club currently have two distinct right-back options to choose from, in Jeremie Frimpong and Hatem Abd Elhamed. While the Dutchman is still only 19-years-old, the Israel international offers a much more experienced presence at the back.
Neil Lennon’s first choice for the role has been the former Manchester City man, with Elhamed coming into the side when there is either an injury concern or if Neil Lennon is looking to give Frimpong a rest during the relatively smaller games. Another reason that the manager uses to switch them up in the starting eleven is based on the kind of attacking threat that the opposition possesses.
What Does Jeremie Frimpong Add To This Team?
Jeremie Frimpong is among the most attack-minded full-backs in the entirety of the Premiership, in that he spent a majority of his time in the Hoops’ final third of the pitch. Not only is a willing runner with the ball at his feet, but he also offers a dangerous presence in an offensive sense. His contributions have often been vital to a lot of the Celts’ attacking play this season, while his general pace and sharp movement have been unmatched as well. Elhamed, on the other hand, offers a much more conservative presence at the back, thereby making Frimpong one of the most important players in Neil Lennon’s expansive setup.
Various English Clubs Are Interested In Celtic’s Jeremie Frimpong: Can Lennon Afford To Cash In?
Celtic currently find themselves in an extremely sensitive position on the league table, to the extent that with every dropped point, Steven Gerrard’s Rangers are edging closer towards the Premiership title. With a whopping 13 points separating the two sides, keeping as many players as possible in their side till the end of the season will be essential, especially if they hope to bridge that gap in the coming months. Frimpong’s influence on the this is a factor that simply cannot be underplayed, and with the future of Elhamed now up in the air as well, selling him would be nothing short of suicidal for the Bhoys.