Liverpool have reportedly identified Bayer Leverkusen right-back Jeremie Frimpong as an option to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold in the squad ahead of next season.
The Reds are preparing for life after Trent Alexander-Arnold. The 26-year-old has already confirmed his departure from Anfield. With his contract expiring at the end of the season, the England international is set to join Real Madrid on a free transfer.
The Merseyside club are working on signing a replacement, and according to a report from The Sky Germany, they are already in advanced talks with Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong. The Netherlands international has a €35-40million exit clause in his contract that runs until 2028 at Bay Arena.
Frimpong, 24, originally moved from Celtic to Bayern Leverkusen for €11million in January 2021. The Dutchman has been a key performer for Xabi Alonso’s side in the last two seasons, creating chances, making plenty of assists and scoring goals. He played a massive role in Leverkusen winning the league and cup double last season.
The 24-year-old wanted to leave the Bundesliga side for a new challenge last year, but he didn’t receive any attractive offers. This summer, though, Frimpong is planning for a new adventure, and that seemingly appears to be Liverpool.
Jeremie Frimpong to Liverpool—Right option?
Alexander-Arnold is a living Liverpool great, having chiefly contributed to the club’s success during Jurgen Klopp’s reign. The Derby-born talent’s attacking prowess makes him undoubtedly the best attacking right-back in the Premier League, and he further enhanced his reputation this season by making a difference in the Arne Slot-managed side that lifted the Premier League in April.
So, losing the England international is a blow for Arne Slot, and even a bigger setback on a free transfer at the end of the season. Given Alexander-Arnold’s qualities on and off the ball, the Reds must bring in a replacement who can replicate his productivity in the final third. And they have set their sights on Jeremie Frimpong.
A former product of the Manchester City academy, Frimpong built his career at Celtic before earning a great reputation at Leverkusen. A right-back by trade, the 24-year-old has primarily operated as a wing-back or right-sided midfielder in Alonso’s 3-4-2-1 system and flourished. He has registered 30 goals and 44 assists in 190 appearances for the Bundesliga side, which are phenomenal numbers from a full-back/wing-back’s point of view.
The diminutive Netherlands international is quick, agile and creative, using his low centre of gravity to wriggle past his marker in tight spaces and make a telling pass in the final third. He is a good crosser of the ball and a finisher in front of goal as well, and Slot would love to have a full-back with such dynamism and flair in the final third.
All in all, if Slot can help improve the defensive side of Frimpong’s game, he could become a long-term asset for Liverpool.