Image for Liverpool could now axe title-winning player who’s “all over the place” – journalist
Image for Liverpool could now axe title-winning player who’s “all over the place” – journalist
Liverpool look to be planning for life without Jeremie Frimpong, with journalist Pete O’Rourke claiming a replacement could join in the January transfer window.
The Dutchman has had an underwhelming Reds career to date, struggling with the physicality of the Premier League and lacking quality in the final third, proving to be a frustrating figure.
Frimpong was introduced in the second half of Liverpool’s 3-0 defeat at home to Manchester City on Sunday afternoon, with Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher criticising his involvement in Rayan Cherki’s goal:
“We can talk about Man City, how much money they’ve spent on what players they’ve brought in, whether it’s been legally or not. But Rayan Cherki is one of them quality players. He has been since he arrived at the club. The less said about Jeremie Frimpong the better, he’s all over the place.”
Speaking to Football Insider, O’Rourke talked up the idea of Liverpool possibly targeting a new right-back in January, even though it’s not a priority, potentially paving the way for Frimpong to leave:
“Right-back is probably another position that Liverpool do need to strengthen in with the issues they’ve had. It’s not been the most stable position for Liverpool, with Jeremie Frimpong struggling to reach the heights expected of him when they brought him to Anfield last summer.
“His performances have been a concern, while Conor Bradley’s injuries have caused them problems as well, so they’ve had to use other options in that position.
“It’s something they could look at in January, but it isn’t an urgent priority right now, so they could wait until the end of the season before they make a move.”
Should Liverpool sell Jeremie Frimpong in January?
Frimpong has been a flop to date, and while the same could apply to Florian Wirtz, both of whom won the Bundesliga title together at Bayer Leverkusen, there is more hope that the latter will still come good in the end.
The right-back has lost his place to Ronald Araujo, and if he didn’t possess electrifying pace, it could even be argued that he wouldn’t be close to being a top-level footballer, without being too harsh.
If an offer arrives for Frimpong in January, Liverpool should consider accepting it, with reigning La Liga champions Barcelona surprisingly linked with signing him in recent times.
In fact, Jules Kounde has been mentioned as an option for the Reds, and a swap deal would be excellent business for Andoni Iraola, with the Frenchman a better all-round player, being lauded by Hansi Flick:
“His attitude is not typical. It’s Unbelievable. I have never experienced this before. After the match, he wants to train. He is a great professional and takes excellent care of his physical condition. In every training session, he wants to give it his all. This attitude is not common, but it’s very good.”
Ideally, Frimpong will suddenly thrive in a Liverpool shirt, showing that he is up to the challenge, but as things stand, signing an upgrade makes far more sense.