Jeremie Frimpong did not spend a long time playing for Celtic. He arrived in the summer of 2019 from Manchester City and would have been considered a 'project signing'. Hatem Abd Elhamed, a name many fans might have forgotten by now, was expected to be the starting right-back for Celtic. Moritz Bauer was also brought in, on loan from Stoke City, as the cover option there.
Frimpong ended up moving ahead of both Elhamed and Bauer in the pecking order. Soon enough, he was the starting right-back for Celtic, exceeding all expectations.
Frimpong's rise at Celtic was meteoric and his departure was quick too. He played a season-and-a-half for the club before moving to Bayer Leverkusen in January of 2021.
It is amazing to see how Frimpong's game has developed since leaving Celtic. He is one of the best full-backs in the world right now and played a major part in Bayer Leverkusen's invincible Bundesliga and DFB Pokal double last season. He is constantly linked with a move to some of the world's biggest clubs as well but has remained in Germany so far. That could change in the future though and would most probably mean a significant sell-on fee for the Hoops.
Jeremie Frimpong sends Borussia Dortmund message to Celtic
Frimpong does not seem to believe that Celtic have much to worry about when it comes to the atmosphere at Borussia Dortmund. The two teams will meet in the Champions League in midweek.
Frimpong is one of the few players who has played at both stadiums. And as reported by The Scottish Sun, the Dutchman said:
"I was back there with Bayer for a Europa League tie three years ago — and oh my days!
“The atmosphere was superb, still the best I have ever encountered in my career.
“Some people say that can act as a 12th man for Celtic, and there will be times when that is true.
“We eventually ran out 4-0 winners on the night, but we had to ride the storm while Celtic were being urged on by their supporters.
“That can affect some players. But top professionals can handle that, it all comes down to what you do on the pitch.
“Celtic are used to playing in front of huge crowds, so I don’t think the Yellow Wall will intimidate them, really.
“It’s 11 men against 11, and the best team will come out on top.
“That will be the case for Celtic’s visit to Dortmund, and right now I’d say it’s a 50-50 game that either side could win."
Celtic's experience of playing big European games at Parkhead should serve them well ahead of their midweek trip to Signal Iduna Park to take on Borussia Dortmund. It should be one of the highlights of the season for fans and players alike.