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Liverpool have escalated their efforts to secure Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong, with the club’s hierarchy holding preliminary discussions with the Dutch international’s representatives on Monday as exclusively revealed.

The Reds aim to finalize a deal swiftly amid Trent Alexander-Arnold’s impending departure, leveraging Frimpong’s €35 million (£29.6 million) release clause -a fee structured in four instalments to ease financial pressures as we exclusively revealed

While no formal offer has been tabled, the clause’s activation mechanism allows the Reds to bypass prolonged haggling with Leverkusen, provided payments are staggered as agreed.

Initial Liverpool talks

We exclusively revealed that talks took place between Liverpool and Frimpong’s representative on Monday.

This approach mirrors Liverpool’s past strategy with Dominik Szoboszlai’s transfer, where triggering a release clause ensured a streamlined process.

Frimpong, 24, has been a standout for Leverkusen, contributing 16 goal involvements (4 goals, 12 assists) in 35 Bundesliga appearances this season.

His homegrown status earned during his nine-year stint at Manchester City’s academy makes him a strategic asset for squad registration rules.

With the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Caoimhin Kelleher destined to leave, this could be a big factor in the 24-year-old’s favour.

Leverkusen, who appear resigned to his exit, will net only 70% of the transfer fee due to Celtic’s 30% sell-on clause from his 2021 move.

But as the Reds have found out in the transfer market in recent years, the signing of Frimpong will not be straightforward.

Two other clubs among those interested in Frimpong

We can exclusively reveal that both Barcelona and Aston Villa have an interest in the Dutch international.

Barcelona’s interest in Frimpong is driven by their need to reinforce the right-back position, which has been a persistent problem due to injuries and a lack of depth.

Jules Kounde, though a regular starter, has struggled with injuries, forcing the club to use makeshift solutions like Eric García and inexperienced youngster Héctor Fort.

His pace would be invaluable for any recoveries with how high Hansi Flick stations his defensive line.

Aston Villa’s pursuit of Frimpong is tied to their ambitions to solidify their squad for Champions League football under Unai Emery.

The right-back position has been a weakness, with Ezri Konsa often filling in out of position and doubts over Matty Cash’s future.

Villa’s owners are ambitious and have the resources to trigger Frimpong’s release clause, but their ability to attract him may hinge on securing Champions League qualification?

It is unlikely that Villa will be able to persuade Frimpong to move to the Midlands.

If Barcelona intensify their interest, Liverpool could have a battle on their hands but at the moment the Dutch international is extremely keen on a move to Anfield.

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