Real Madrid have announced the signing of Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold from June 1 on a six-year deal, with the full-back moving for a fee in time to play in the Club World Cup. (Photo by Nick Potts/PA Wire)placeholder image
Real Madrid have announced the signing of Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold from June 1 on a six-year deal, with the full-back moving for a fee in time to play in the Club World Cup. (Photo by Nick Potts/PA Wire)
Liverpool could re-open their pursuit of this impressive right-back with similar attributes to Trent Alexander-Arnold
Liverpool’s form has exposed a number of frailties within the team this season and the club is expected to address the bulk of them in the January transfer window.
Liverpool are putting the feelers out for the latter now, but a summer move is more likely for such a big team investment.
They Reds could also explore new options at full-back, with their additions from the previous transfer window not exactly having the desired impact so far.
Liverpool could sign new full-back once again
Over the summer, a top priority for Liverpool was bringing in a double full-back signing swoop. One to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold, and another to challenge Andy Robertson moving forwards.
However, the integration of Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez has not been as seamless as many fans expected. Kerkez was recently demoted to the bench due to his lacklustre and worrisome performances.
Meanwhile, Frimpong remains injured and has missed the last five Premier League games, taking his absence tally to ten games missed through fitness problems already in his debut season.
Some have also questioned whether he was the right signing for what Liverpool need. Having played most of his games at Bayer Leverkusen as a right wing-back, Frimpong has struggled to operate in a typical back four formation. Former Liverpool full-back Stephen Warnock recently raised his concerns about Frimpong’s ability to operate as a defender.
“He played as a wing-back for Leverkusen and in the high right position. He never played the right of a three at the back because he’s not a defender.”
Liverpool can revisit right-back target to replace Alexander-Arnold
Frimpong has already played further forward this season, which could be something Slot chooses to explore further once he is back to fitness. This leaves Liverpool back at square one, with the need for a new right-back.
The Reds could revisit their previous interest in Andrea Cambiaso of Juventus. They had shown interest in the 25-year-old over the summer, prior to their agreement with Frimpong.
Cambiaso is versatile and can play on either the left or the right, but he admits he is strong on both sides. He also enjoys getting forwards and cutting inside, which Alexander-Arnold did so well for Liverpool.
“Maybe I have uncommon skills for a wide player, as I like moving inside," he previously told Gazzetta. "And I don't know if I'm better on the right or left. I've talked about it with my coaches without coming to any conclusion. I'm good, it seems, on both sides.”
The Reds have missed chance creations stemming from their full-backs this season. According to WhoScored, Cambiaso is averaging 1.7 key passes per 90 minutes so far this campaign, as well as 1.5 crosses and 1.6 long balls. He is also averaging 1.3 tackles, showing his balance between defending and creating attacking opportunities.
It was reported earlier this year that an offer in the region of €40-45 million (£35-40m) could have been enough to convince Juventus to sell Cambiaso. If this is still the case, Liverpool can consider making a move for a long-standing transfer target who fits the gap left by Alexander-Arnold well, and won’t break the bank in the process.
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