Liverpool will begin to plan for life after Trent Alexander-Arnold after it emerged that their legendary academy graduate is set to join Real Madrid as a free agent after running his contract down
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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 Second Leg match between Liverpool FC and Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield on March 11, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to join Real Madrid on a free transfer this summer
(Image: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to break Liverpool hearts by agreeing a stunning free transfer to Real Madrid. The right-back, 26, is in the final three months of his contract and has been free to discuss a move abroad since January.
Spanish and European champions Real Madrid have made signing Alexander-Arnold their priority, tracking him for well over a year. The defender, who came up through Liverpool’s academy and made 349 appearances, has now landed a blow to his boyhood club by turning down a new contract offer, with reports this week claiming he is close to agreeing personal terms with the La Liga giants.
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With Alexander-Arnold edging closer to signing a five-year deal at the Santiago Bernabeu, it has been reported that the Reds have already turned their attention to signing Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong as a direct successor. It is not the first time the Dutch wing-back has been linked with a move to Anfield, with Mirror Football bringing you everything you need to know about Frimpong’s potential Liverpool transfer.
Jurgen Klopp targets Frimpong
Jeremie Frimpong of Bayer Leverkusen
Liverpool have been linked with Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong for some time
Liverpool have been keeping tabs on Frimpong as far back as 2023, during Klopp’s final season with the club. The Dutch international, formerly of Manchester City, had already notched 10 assists by the midway point of last season under Xabi Alonso, earning him a place on Klopp’s transfer shortlist according to several reports.
Ahead of the 2024 January transfer window, Spanish outlet Depor claimed Liverpool decided to enter a “bidding war” for Frimpong amid competition from Real Madrid and Chelsea. And according to TEAMtalk in April last year, Liverpool were interested in signing the on-fire wing-back at the end of last season, having “taken the time” to watch him amid the possibility of Alexander-Arnold being converted to a midfielder.
Arne Slot impressed
Interestingly, Slot maintained his predecessor Klopp's interest in Frimpong after being appointed the Reds’ head coach last summer. It is understood that Slot was keen on him when he first arrived in Liverpool, with Frimpong catching his eye around the time of the Euros, having just completed an incredible domestic double winning season with Leverkusen.
Now, Frimpong has become one of his main priorities ahead of the upcoming summer window, with Slot wanting a more offensive approach to the right-back position with Alexander-Arnold’s increasingly likely departure, according to DefensaCentral. The outlet claims Slot has given Liverpool bosses the green light to get the Frimpong deal underway, having accepted he won’t have the Englishman next season.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot gestures on the touchline
Arne Slot has given Liverpool bosses the green light to sign Jeremie Frimpong
Former Feyenoord manager Slot believes his compatriot would be ‘the best option’ at right-back and has told his bosses to pay the £33.5million fee required, which the report claims is his release clause.
The Dutch tactician, who is set to lift the Premier League trophy in his first season in England, is trying to convince Frimpong that Liverpool is the most attractive destination this summer with a personal approach. That has included an initial telephone exchange with his representatives, regular discussions by message and the possibility of a physical meeting in the coming weeks over a first official offer.
Michael Edwards’ crucial links
Michael Edwards LIVERPOOL
Michael Edwards' good relationship with Leverkusen could get a deal over the line
Sky Sports reports that Liverpool's director of football, Michael Edwards, has a good relationship with Bayer 04's management, which should help with getting a deal done for Frimpong. He will need to work within the budget set by FSG before striking a deal, but he remains convinced that Liverpool have a real chance to land their man.
It remains to be seen whether Frimpong, who is said to be interested in the Reds' project, will pass up the chance to join over clubs in favour of becoming Anfield's latest great fullback.
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