Liverpool continue to be linked with a move for Jeremie Frimpong, and reports suggest talks are advancing, with his potential arrival sparking debate over Conor Bradley's future in the starting 11
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11:38, 14 May 2025
Conor Bradley of Liverpool FC looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match between Liverpool FC and Real Madrid C.F. at Anfield on November 27, 2024
Conor Bradley's potential position as Liverpool's first-choice right-back is under question
(Image: 2024 DeFodi Images)
Alan Shearer says Liverpool "have to buy another right-back anyway" to compete with Conor Bradley amid the growing Jeremie Frimpong transfer rumours. Trent Alexander-Arnold announced last week he will be leaving his boyhood club at the end of his contract this summer as a free agent.
The England international's departure leaves a spot open in the starting line-up at right-back ahead of the new season. Bradley, 21, is the obvious successor to Alexander-Arnold within the current squad.
The Northern Ireland captain joined the Reds in 2019 as a teenager and impressed in his 27 appearances this season. He delivered an especially memorable display during the 2-0 Champions League victory at home against reigning champions Real Madrid.
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Yet, Liverpool are presently being linked with Bayer Leverkusen and Netherlands wing-back Frimpong, who has caught the eye over the past two seasons under Xabi Alonso. German outlet Kicker claims the Reds are closing in on the 24-year-old's signature, with talks advancing over triggering his £29.5million release clause.
The dilemma of whether Liverpool should place confidence in Bradley as their first-choice right-back or invest in a player like Frimpong was asked by Gary Lineker on The Rest Is Football podcast this week.
Alan Shearer was adamant that Liverpool need a right-back regardless in order to add depth, while Lineker and Micah Richards highlighted the difference between a back-up acquisition and signing a star like former Manchester City academy ace Frimpong.
Lineker said: "You need two players that can play in that position. Everyone has pretty much two players in every position now so I guess they will have to make a signing.
"It depends, I suppose, on whether they think they need a back-up right-back or do they not see anything in Conor Bradley. I think Bradley's really impressive."
Shearer chimed in by saying: "That doesn't surprise me, but it doesn't mean Bradley won't have a bright future because he will, I think. He's impressed me.
"But whether he's ready to go in full-time, maybe not. So that's why they'll get another one in. But you're right, they have to get another one in anyway."
Jeremie Frimpong celebrates while playing for Bayer Leverkusen
Jeremie Frimpong could join Liverpool this summer
Bradley was in and out of the side for much of this season due to a niggling hamstring injury and rarely played the full 90 minutes when he did start. Despite his obvious quality, Liverpool currently have no specialised back-up for him, which means they would be left short of options if his injuries continue into next season.
Richards, who had to compete with Pablo Zabaleta for the right-back position at City for years, said: "It's a tough one because when another right-back comes in, it can help you by helping you raise your game, or it can hinder you because you can lose your confidence a little bit.
"Another right-back would help, but if Frimpong comes in, he's No. 1, which could be difficult for Bradley to deal with. I think Bradley is very good. He's good going forward, he's intelligent with his runs, and he can do the one-on-one defending as well.
"The only question mark is whether he could do it on a consistent basis. When he came into the team in place of Trent, the mindset of a sub is different to a starter."