Bundesliga
Bayer Leverkusen have announced the transfer of Jeremie Frimpong to English Premier League champions Liverpool. The Netherlands wide man joined the Werkself midway through the 2020/21 season and was a key figure in the club's historic league-cup double under Xabi Alonso in 2023/24.
After arriving in Leverkusen from Scottish giants Celtic, Frimpong brought his explosive pace, direct running, dribbling ability and work rate to bear, but it wasn't until Xabi Alonso was installed as head coach in October 2022 that Frimpong really hit his straps in Germany.
He contributed eight goals and seven assists as Leverkusen finished sixth in Alonso's first season, but outdid himself in the following term. In an historic 2023/24 campaign, Frimpong racked up a personal-best nine goals and nine assists as the Werkself finally put the club's 'Neverkusen' moniker to bed with a first-ever Bundesliga title as a part of an impressive league-and-cup double in a campaign that also saw the side reach the Europa League final.
Watch: The best of Bayer Leverkusen's title-winning campaign
The 2024/25 season saw him bag five goals and six assists as Leverkusen lost out to Bayern Munich in a two-horse title race - while also providing five assists in the Champions League on Leverkusen's run to the last 16 and helping the club to a record 34-match away-day unbeaten run.
These facts and figures attracted the interest of Liverpool - who went close to signing a young Frimpong before he opted to join Manchester City's youth set-up back in 2010 - and a deal for the Dutchman's services was agreed shortly after the end of the 2024/25 campaign. Frimpong leaves the Bundesliga with a record of 23 goals and 28 assists in 133 appearances for Leverkusen.
"Leverkusen was a very special stage in what I hope will be a long career as a professional," said Frimpong. "It's incredible what we've all achieved here together. Winning the double was a moving and unforgettable event for me because very few people thought we could do it in this way. I will always be a Leverkusen player. This club remains an important part of my personal history and I thank Bayer 04 and the fans for a fantastic time."
Watch: The best of Jeremie Frimpong
"Jeremie is a perfect example of the path that Bayer 04 Leverkusen has often taken with great success: bringing a young, highly talented player from a small league and developing him into a top performer. This transfer is another way in which we can and will shape the Leverkusen squad of the future," added Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes.
"Jerry was a central player in our double team, he has become a crowd favourite with his special manner and thanks to his good performances. Now he wants to prove himself in the Premier League at Liverpool FC. We all wish him the best of luck."
Frimpong is the latest high-profile Leverkusen departure, following head coach Xabi Alonso's decision to join former club Real Madrid. Erik ten Hag will lead the rebuild at the 2024/25 Bundesliga runners-up, after being confirmed as Alonso's successor on 26 May.