Liverpool are reportedly beginning to plan for life without Trent Alexander-Arnold by eyeing a move for a player tracked by both Arne Slot and his predecessor Jurgen Klopp
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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 edging closer to joining Real Madrid(Image: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to break Liverpool hearts this summer by joining Real Madrid on a free transfer. The 26-year old right-back’s contract is due to expire in three months and he's been free to negotiate a move abroad since January.
Spanish and European champions Real Madrid have made signing Alexander-Arnold their top priority after tracking him for over a year. The defender, who came through Liverpool's academy to make 349 first team appearances, is growing increasingly unlikely to sign a new deal with his boyhood club, with reports this week claiming he is on the verge of agreeing personal terms with the La Liga giants.
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As Alexander-Arnold inches closer to signing a five-year deal at the Santiago Bernabeu, it's been reported that Liverpool have already shifted their focus to Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong as a direct replacement. It isn't the first time the Dutch wing-back has been linked with a move to Anfield, as we bring you everything you need to know about Frimpong's potential Liverpool transfer.
Jurgen Klopp's admiration
Jeremie Frimpong of Bayer Leverkusen
Liverpool have been linked with Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong for some time
Liverpool have had their eye on Frimpong since as far back as 2023 ahead of Klopp's final season with the club. The Dutch international, formerly of Manchester City, had already racked up 10 assists by the middle of last season under Xabi Alonso, earning him a spot on Klopp's transfer shortlist according to multiple reports.
Ahead of the 2024 January transfer window, Spanish publication Depor reported that Liverpool had decided to join a "bidding war" for Frimpong, with Real Madrid and Chelsea also showing interest.
TEAMtalk suggested last April that Liverpool were keen on signing the in-form wing-back at the end of the season, having "taken the time" to scout him given the potential shift of Alexander-Arnold to a midfield role.
Arne Slot impressed
Interestingly, Slot maintained his predecessor Klopp's interest in Frimpong after being appointed the Reds’ head coach last summer. It is believed he was impressed by compatriot Frimpong around the time of the European Championships, following his outstanding domestic double-winning season with Leverkusen.
Now, Frimpong has reportedly become one of Slot's top priorities for the upcoming summer window. According to DefensaCentral, Slot wants a more attacking approach to the right-back position, especially with Alexander-Arnold's departure looking increasingly likely. The report claims that Slot has given Liverpool's management the go-ahead to start negotiations for Frimpong, accepting that he won't have Alexander-Arnold next season.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot gestures on the touchline
Arne Slot has given Liverpool bosses the green light to sign Jeremie Frimpong, it's claimed
Former Feyenoord manager Slot believes his fellow countryman would be 'the best option' at right-back and has urged the club to pay the £33.5million fee required, which is reportedly his release clause.
The Dutch tactician, who is on track to win the Premier League in his debut season in England, is also personally trying to persuade Frimpong that Liverpool is the best place for him this summer. That's said to have involved an initial phone call with his agents, regular text conversations and a potential face-to-face meeting in the coming weeks to discuss a formal offer.
Michael Edwards’ crucial links
Michael Edwards LIVERPOOL
Michael Edwards' good relationship with Leverkusen could get a deal over the line
Liverpool's director of football, Michael Edwards, has strong links with Leverkusen's management, according to Sky Sports. These connections could prove vital in securing a deal for Frimpong.
Edwards will need to operate within the budget set by FSG before striking a deal, though he remains confident that Liverpool have a genuine shot at signing their target. It's yet to be seen whether Frimpong, who is reportedly interested in Liverpool's project, will forgo other offers to become the latest star full-back at Anfield.