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Liverpool’s 2024/25 Premier League title triumph under Arne Slot was a statement of intent, a team reborn with new energy and ambition. 

Yet, following the celebrations and the season ending, a huge question lies that could shape the next campaign. 

Who will take the responsible role of filling the void left by Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure? 

The right-back officially completed a free transfer to Real Madrid on Friday after opting against fresher contract terms on Merseyside, bringing an end to his twenty-year affiliation with his boyhood club. 

But the battle to replace him has already begun, with Liverpool’s recent move in the transfer market signalling an intriguing new chapter. 

Jeremie Frimpong arrives from Bayer Leverkusen on a cut-price deal after the Reds activated a £29.5million release clause, signing a long-term contract until 2030 and we will be discussing how he can provide fierce competition for the first choice right-back position next season. 

THE FRIMPONG FACTOR 

Jeremie Frimpong arrives at Anfield in the prime of his career, armed with a reputation for pace, attacking verve and a proven track record in one of Europe’s top leagues. 

At twenty-four years old, he combines youthful energy with the experience necessary to handle the rigours of the Premier League and Champions League football. 

Frimpong’s game is built around explosive acceleration, dribbling and an instinct to get forward quickly to create overloads and chances. 

His time at Leverkusen showcased his ability to stretch defences, deliver dangerous crosses and even chip in with the goals, when needed. 

Beyond his attacking gifts, the right-back’s defensive work has matured, adapting to the tactical demands of a league that is both fast-paced and physically demanding. 

For the Reds, Frimpong offers a direct answer to Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure. 

While he lacks Alexander-Arnold’s passing range, the Dutchman brings a different kind of chaos that is less about dictating tempo and more about disruptive defensive structure. 

As for Arne Slot’s system, he is a perfect mold. 

Frimpong’s timing in transition of knowing when to surge forward and when to recycle possession is a trait refined under Xabi Alonso’s positional system at Bayer Leverkusen. 

At Liverpool, he’ll be expected to stretch the pitch and link with the wide forwards like Mohamed Salah, without vacating his primary defensive duties. 

THE CASE FOR CONTINUITYDavid Rawcliffe/Propaganda.

Conor Bradley’s rise through Liverpool’s academy system is a testament to the club’s ongoing commitment to developing young talent. 

At just twenty-one, the Northern Irish international has maturity beyond his years with defensive discipline and tactical intelligence. 

Unlike the flashy, attacking style of Jeremie Frimpong, Bradley’s strengths lie in his consistency, positioning and defensive reliability. 

He embodies a more measured approach, focusing on the team’s shape and supporting build-up play without overcommitting. 

The right-back’s ability to track back quickly and read the game effectively makes him a valuable asset where defensive solidity is paramount. 

Bradley has already tasted regular first-team action in cup competitions and the Premier League, showcasing that he can handle the pressure and deliver consistent performances. 

His deep understanding of Liverpool’s tactical evolution under Arne Slot, combined with his familiarity with the club’s ethos, gives him a subtle but vital edge. 

For a team transitioning beyond the Trent Alexander-Arnold era, continuity may prove just as valuable as flair. 

THE TACTICAL DILEMMA

The key question for Arne Slot and Liverpool fans is who will emerge as the leading choice at right-back next season. 

Jeremie Frimpong offers immediate impact and attacking dynamism. 

His pace and ability to burst forward can inject unpredictability into Liverpool’s wide-play, potentially creating more goal-scoring opportunities. 

Experience in a top European league also makes him a reliable candidate in demanding fixtures. 

Conor Bradley, meanwhile, offers a steady and dependable presence that Slot can trust to hold the defensive line and provide tactical balance. 

His game may be less flashy but the contributions to the team are invaluable.

Arne Slot will find it difficult to decide who becomes the club’s prominent right-back next season.

AP/Jon Super.

The manager may well choose to rotate based on opposition, using Frimpong’s attacking edge against teams that require more offensive thrust and trusting Bradley’s defensive discipline in tighter battles. 

This internal competition is likely to push both players to raise their game, benefitting Liverpool as a whole. 

WHERE RIVALRY BREEDS REINVENTION 

Jeremie Frimpong’s arrival doesn’t just fill a vacancy, it reshapes a role. 

With Trent Alexander-Arnold now at Real Madrid, Liverpool have lost a unique creative force, but rather than attempting to replicate his talent, Arne Slot is evolving the right-back position entirely. 

Alongside Conor Bradley, Liverpool now possess two high-quality but contrasting options. 

One is explosive, the other dependable and that contrast could prove to give the Reds a further competitive edge. 

This is not a like-for-like replacement, but a strategic recalibration that equips Arne Slot with the flexibility to tailor his approach to different challenges. 

Such competition is the hallmark for elite squads and Liverpool will become stronger for it. 

The Trent Alexander-Arnold era has passed, but in Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley, the Reds may have uncovered a dual pathway to sustained success.

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