Could Jeremie Frimpong’s Liverpool career be heading towards an unexpectedly early ending?
Reports are suggesting that the Dutch international is open to a move to Saudi Arabia, with Al-Hilal emerging as a possible destination.
It would be a surprising development considering Liverpool only signed him from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 2025 for around £29.5 million.
However, his time at Anfield hasn’t gone according to plan, and I don’t think Liverpool should automatically dismiss the possibility of selling him.
According to reports originating from Winwin, Frimpong has been offered to Al-Hilal and is receptive to the idea of a fresh challenge. There is no confirmed formal bid, agreement or negotiation between the clubs at this stage.
But it raises an interesting question: has Frimpong’s Liverpool career already reached a crossroads?
Injuries and inconsistency have disrupted his Liverpool career
There is no question about Frimpong’s attacking qualities.
At Bayer Leverkusen, he was an explosive attacking wing-back with frightening pace, the ability to beat defenders and an impressive contribution in the final third.
Liverpool brought him in expecting those qualities to make a difference following Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure.
Unfortunately, we haven’t seen enough of that player consistently.
Injuries have repeatedly interrupted his progress, preventing him from building momentum and establishing himself as a regular starter.
His latest muscle problem against Brentford in October was another frustrating setback. He had only just come onto the pitch before being forced off again.
When you add that to his inconsistent performances and limited opportunities under Iraola, it is understandable why questions are being asked about his future.
Araújo and Gomez have made his position even more difficult
The arrival of Ronald Araújo has changed the situation at right-back.
I have been impressed with Araújo. He offers defensive strength, physicality, leadership and a willingness to contribute going forward.
Joe Gomez also provides Iraola with another experienced option who can defend the position.
That leaves Frimpong facing a battle for regular football, particularly when he has struggled to stay fit.
I still believe Frimpong has qualities Liverpool could use, especially when they need pace and attacking threat from wide areas. But he needs to be available and consistent enough to justify his place.
At the moment, he hasn’t managed that.
Should Liverpool accept an offer from Al-Hilal?
My answer is that Liverpool should certainly listen.
If Al-Hilal or another interested club comes forward with a substantial offer, the hierarchy has to consider it.
There is little point keeping a player who is unhappy, struggling for opportunities and unable to establish himself in the starting eleven.
However, Liverpool must not make the mistake of selling him without having a replacement plan.
Right-back has already been a problem position, particularly with Conor Bradley’s fitness concerns. If Frimpong leaves, Liverpool need to know exactly how they intend to cover that position.
I would also want the club to recover a sensible fee rather than simply accepting the first offer that arrives.
He is still only 25, has considerable attacking ability and is under contract for several more years. Liverpool shouldn’t give him away cheaply.
A fresh start might suit everybody
Sometimes transfers don’t work out as expected.
Frimpong arrived with an excellent reputation and plenty of excitement surrounding his move from Germany. But the Premier League has presented different challenges, and his injury problems have made it difficult to show what he can really offer.
A move to Saudi Arabia could provide him with a fresh start, while Liverpool could use the money to strengthen an area of the squad that needs attention.
I wouldn’t be disappointed to see him remain and finally get a consistent run of games, but I also wouldn’t stand in the way of a sensible deal.
Liverpool have to make decisions based on what is best for the team, not simply because they spent money on a player recently.
My verdict: Liverpool should be prepared to sell
I don’t think Frimpong has been a complete failure, and I certainly wouldn’t question his ability.
But potential and reputation only take you so far.
Liverpool need dependable players who can stay fit, perform consistently and give Iraola confidence when selecting his team.
If Al-Hilal make a serious offer and Frimpong wants to leave, I would be prepared to let him go – provided Liverpool have a suitable replacement lined up.
The question isn’t whether Frimpong has talent. It’s whether Liverpool can rely on him to deliver what they need.
At the moment, I’m not convinced they can.
Jamie – (The Kopite View)
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