Jeremie Frimpong is a professional footballer who currently plays as a right-back or right wing-back for Premier League club Liverpool and the Netherlands national team as of January 2026. Following a high-profile €40 million transfer from Bayer Leverkusen in July 2025, Frimpong has become a central figure in Arne Slot’s tactical revolution at Anfield. Known for his blistering pace—recorded at top speeds exceeding 36 km/h—and elite offensive output, he previously helped Bayer Leverkusen secure a historic, unbeaten domestic double in the 2023/24 season. In the 2025/26 campaign, Frimpong has successfully adapted to the intensity of English football, providing crucial goals and assists while transitioning between defensive and advanced wing roles. This comprehensive 2026 guide explores his career journey from the Manchester City academy to European glory, his tactical impact at Liverpool, and his status as one of the world’s most valuable modern defenders.
2026 Career Status: Liverpool and the Premier League
As of January 19, 2026, Jeremie Frimpong has solidified his position as one of Liverpool’s most impactful summer signings. Joining for a bargain £29.5 million (€40m) release clause from Bayer Leverkusen, he signed a long-term contract at Anfield through June 2030. Despite a brief injury setback with hamstrings in late 2025, he returned to the squad in January 2026 in scintillating form, notably scoring his first Anfield goal in an FA Cup victory against Barnsley.
In the current January 2026 window, Frimpong has become even more vital to Arne Slot’s plans due to a season-ending injury to teammate Conor Bradley. He has demonstrated remarkable versatility, filling in at right-wing during Mohamed Salah’s absence for the Africa Cup of Nations before reverting to a more traditional right-back role to stabilize the defense. His partnership with fellow Dutchman Virgil van Dijk has been cited as a key factor in Liverpool’s 12-game unbeaten run leading into mid-January.
The Leverkusen Legacy: Invincible Double Winner
Frimpong’s rise to global stardom was cemented at Bayer Leverkusen (2021–2025) under the tutelage of Xabi Alonso. During the 2023/24 season, he was part of the “Invincible” squad that won the Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal without a single domestic defeat. Frimpong contributed a staggering 14 goals and 12 assists in 47 appearances that year, redefining the expectations for a wing-back’s offensive involvement.
His partnership with left wing-back Alejandro Grimaldo, affectionately dubbed “Grimpong” by fans, was the engine room of Leverkusen’s success. By the time he departed for Liverpool in 2025, Frimpong had amassed 190 appearances for the German club, scoring 30 goals and becoming a three-time Kicker Bundesliga Team of the Season inductee.
Tactical Philosophy: The “Wing-Sprinter” Role
Tactically, Frimpong is often described as a “Flügelsprinter” (wing-sprinter). Unlike traditional full-backs who focus primarily on defensive positioning, Frimpong’s game is built on explosive transitions and “underlapping” runs that penetrate the opponent’s penalty area. His low center of gravity and elite acceleration allow him to beat markers in 1v1 situations with ease.
Key Tactical Attributes:
- Recovery Pace: His 36.34 km/h top speed allows him to join attacks high up the pitch while still being able to track back during defensive transitions.
- Directness: In 2026, Frimpong leads Premier League defenders in “touches in the opposition box,” often acting as a secondary winger.
- Aggressive Pressing: Under Arne Slot, he has refined his “curved pressing” triggers, forcing opponents into central traps where Liverpool’s midfielders can regain possession.
International Career: Representing the Oranje
Although eligible to represent Ghana and England (having moved there at age seven), Frimpong chose to represent the Netherlands, the country of his birth. He made his senior debut in October 2023 and has since become a regular fixture in Ronald Koeman’s squad. By January 2026, he has earned 14 caps, scoring his first international goal in a friendly against Canada in June 2024.
His role in the national team is often debated due to the presence of Denzel Dumfries. However, Koeman has increasingly used Frimpong as an “impact sub” or a right-winger in a 4-3-3 system to utilize his pace against tiring defenses. He is widely expected to be a cornerstone of the Dutch squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Financial Profile and Market Value
2026 Market Analysis
- Current Market Value: Estimated at €58.7 million (though his Liverpool release clause was lower).
- Weekly Wage: Reportedly earning between £150,000 and £180,000 per week at Anfield.
- Contract End: June 30, 2030.
- Sponsorships: He is a high-profile athlete for New Balance, frequently appearing in global marketing campaigns for their latest boot silos.
Frimpong is considered one of the most “marketable” young defenders in the world. His social media presence and “always-smiling” personality have made him a fan favorite, while his technical stats make him a “data-darling” for scouting departments across Europe.
Practical Information for Fans
Seeing Frimpong at Anfield
- Tickets: Category A matches (vs Man City, Man Utd) range from £50 to £60, while cup matches can be found for as low as £15 to £30.
- Merchandise: The “Frimpong 30” jersey is currently a top-five seller at the Liverpool FC official store.
- Stadium Tours: Fans can visit the Anfield museum to see his newly added 2025/26 player profile and interactive stats board.
Key Match Dates (Spring 2026)
Liverpool is currently competing on four fronts. Fans should watch for the Champions League Round of 16 in February, where Frimpong’s European experience with Leverkusen is expected to be a deciding factor for the Reds.
The Celtic Breakout: 2019–2021
Jeremie Frimpong’s professional journey truly ignited at Celtic FC, where he arrived as an unknown teenager from Manchester City’s academy in September 2019. He made an immediate impact, winning “Man of the Match” on his debut and quickly becoming a fan favorite for his “Oh My Days” catchphrase and infectious enthusiasm.
During his time in Glasgow, Frimpong made 51 appearances and was a key part of the squad that secured the historic “Quadruple Treble” in the 2019/20 season. His performances earned him the Celtic Young Player of the Year award, as he demonstrated the raw pace and dribbling ability that would later make him a €40 million player. His departure to Germany in January 2021 was a record sale for a young defender at Celtic, proving his rapid development in the Scottish Premiership.
Tactical Rivalry: Frimpong vs. Alexander-Arnold
One of the most debated topics in 2026 is how Frimpong compares to his Liverpool predecessor, Trent Alexander-Arnold. While Alexander-Arnold was celebrated for his “quarterback” passing range and 99th-percentile progressive passing stats, Frimpong offers a fundamentally different profile centered on verticality and dribbling.
Statistical Comparison (Per 90 Metrics):
- Progressive Carries: Frimpong ranks in the 98th percentile for defenders, averaging nearly double the successful dribbles of a traditional full-back.
- Creativity: While Alexander-Arnold led in long-ball accuracy, Frimpong leads in touches in the opposition penalty area, often acting as a decoy or secondary striker.
- Defensive Output: Both players have faced scrutiny defensively; however, under Arne Slot in 2026, Frimpong has improved his ground duel success rate to over 60%, utilizing his recovery pace to negate counter-attacks.
The Netherlands and the 2026 World Cup
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches in North America, Frimpong is a locked-in starter for Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands squad. After several years of tactical adjustments to accommodate both him and Denzel Dumfries, Koeman has increasingly utilized a 3-4-3 system that allows Frimpong to occupy the right wing-back role where he thrived at Leverkusen.
In the most recent World Cup qualifiers during late 2025, Frimpong provided three assists, helping the Oranje secure their spot in the tournament. His ability to stretch defenses and provide a “relief valve” under high pressure makes him a unique weapon for the Dutch, who are looking to improve on their 2024 European Championship semi-final finish.
Performance Analysis: 2025/26 Season Stats
In the first half of the 2025/26 Premier League season, Frimpong has proven that his Bundesliga numbers were no fluke. Despite the increased physical demands of English football, his data remains elite among European full-backs.
- Appearances: 16 (all competitions)
- Goals: 2 (including a Community Shield chip and an FA Cup strike vs. Barnsley)
- Top Speed: 35.61 km/h (recorded during a Champions League match against Marseille)
- Passing Accuracy: 78% (a significant improvement from his early career, showing his development under Arne Slot)
Practical Information: Collecting and Following Frimpong
Digital and Physical Collectibles
- EA Sports FC 26: Frimpong’s “Base Gold” card is a meta-favorite in Ultimate Team, boasting 95+ Pace and 88+ Dribbling stats.
- Memorabilia: Signed Liverpool jerseys from his debut 2025/26 season are currently retailing for approximately £250–£400 on authenticated auction sites.
Where to Watch in 2026
Fans can catch Frimpong in action across several major competitions:
- Premier League: Sky Sports and TNT Sports (UK).
- Champions League: Amazon Prime Video and TNT Sports.
- National Team: NOS (Netherlands) and various global networks during the 2026 World Cup.
FAQs
What was Jeremie Frimpong’s first professional goal?
He scored his first professional goal for Celtic in a 4–0 win against Aberdeen on October 27, 2019.
Did Frimpong play for Manchester City’s first team?
No, he progressed through the youth ranks from age nine but left for Celtic before making a senior appearance.
Is Frimpong a Christian?
Yes, he is a devout Christian and has often spoken about how attending mass in Glasgow helped him during the pandemic.
What languages does Jeremie Frimpong speak?
He is fluent in English and has a basic understanding of Dutch, though he frequently uses English in interviews.
Who is Frimpong’s footballing idol?
He has previously cited players like Dani Alves as inspirations for his attacking style of play.
Was Frimpong sent off in a cup final?
Yes, he was sent off in the 2019 Scottish League Cup Final against Rangers, though Celtic still went on to win 1–0.
How tall is Jeremie Frimpong?
He is 1.71 meters (5 ft 7 in) tall, using his low center of gravity to excel in dribbling.
Does he have any siblings who play football?
His brother, Wesley Frimpong, is also a professional footballer.
What boots does Jeremie Frimpong wear in 2026?
He is a lead athlete for New Balance, typically wearing the Furon v7+ model.
Can Frimpong play on the left side?
While he is almost exclusively a right-sided player, his pace allows him to cover as a left wing-back in emergency tactical shifts.
Who does Jeremie Frimpong play for in 2026?
He plays for Liverpool FC in the English Premier League and the Netherlands national team.
What is Jeremie Frimpong’s top speed?
He has been clocked at a top speed of 36.34 km/h, making him one of the fastest players in world football.
How much did Liverpool pay for Frimpong?
Liverpool triggered a release clause of approximately £29.5 million (€40 million) in the summer of 2025.
What is Frimpong’s jersey number?
He wears the number 30 for Liverpool, the same number he wore at Bayer Leverkusen.
Is Jeremie Frimpong related to Emmanuel Frimpong?
No, he is not related to the former Arsenal player Emmanuel Frimpong, despite sharing the same surname and Ghanaian heritage.
Did Frimpong play for Manchester City?
Yes, he spent nine years in the Manchester City academy (2010–2019) but never made a senior appearance before moving to Celtic.
What trophies has Frimpong won?
His major honors include the Bundesliga (2023/24), DFB-Pokal, and a Scottish domestic treble with Celtic (2019/20).
Where was Jeremie Frimpong born?
He was born in Amsterdam, Netherlands, on December 10, 2000.
Is Frimpong a defender or a winger?
While primarily a right-back or wing-back, his 2026 role at Liverpool often sees him deployed as a right-winger due to his high attacking output.
What is his contract length at Liverpool?
His current contract runs for five years, expiring on June 30, 2030.
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