Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net
With Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure looming this summer, Liverpool are faced with the task of filling a key role in the team.
The right-back position has become synonymous with Alexander-Arnold’s creativity and overall influence, meaning the club will need to find a player who can contribute with the same effect, but also provide balance when in need.
In recent weeks, Jeremie Frimpong is a name that has entered conversations inside the Liverpool space and a potential summer move, has quickly gained traction.
The 24-year-old has enjoyed a strong run at Bayer Leverkusen, impressing with his pace, defensively reliability and eagerness to join the attack.
As the Reds hope to evolve further through Arne Slot’s management, Frimpong’s profile hints at a player who could seamlessly plug the void of Alexander-Arnold and we will be diving deeper into why he is the standout right-back option.
A NEW ERA AT RIGHT-BACKDavid Rawcliffe/Propaganda.
With Trent Alexander-Arnold set to depart Liverpool, it has become clear that a tactical shift in their approach play under Arne Slot, has entered.
For years, the right-back role has acted as the creative catalyst of the Reds’ attack, becoming revelutionary.
No longer just a defender, Alexander-Arnold has redefined the position.
Making overlapping runs, delivering pinpoint crosses and dictating tempo from deep.
His departure is set to leave a void that Liverpool have no other choice, but to fill.
Arne Slot, who has earned a reputation for fluid, attacking football and defensive discipline throughout his time at Feyenoord and debut campaign with the Reds, will need a player who can match Alexander-Arnold’s attacking output while contributing, defensively.
The challenge lies in finding someone that can seamlessly adapt to the high energy, high-pressing system at Anfield.
Jeremie Frimpong can offer a promising solution.
The Bayer-Leverkusen man is a dynamic right-back whose style is very much in tune with the demands of modern football.
Unlike a more traditional full-back, Frimpong is not only tasked with shoring up the defence but also has the license to roam forward and provide support on the flanks.
His blistering pace, technical ability and adaptability is what can make the Dutchman a perfect fix to the eventual loss of Trent Alexander-Arnold.
WHAT FRIMPONG BRINGS TO THE TABLE
Jeremie Frimpong’s key strengths lie in his explosive speed and technical prowess.
While he may not be the same creative force as Alexander-Arnold in terms of range and vision, he remains an attacking threat in his own right.
At Bayer Leverkusen, manager Xabi Alonso allows his full-backs the freedom to make intelligent runs in-behind defensive lines.
Xabi Alonso was once the favourite for the Liverpool job following Jürgen Klopp’s decision to leave in 2024.
Getty Images.
Frimpong’s capability to stretch the pitch and create space would add a new dimension to Liverpool’s wide play, allowing for better balance between the defensive and offensive thirds.
As for his defensive attributes, the Dutchman has proven himself to be more than competent.
Positioning, work-rate and ability to read the game, make him a solid asset to have and someone who can recover quickly from opposition turnovers and transitions.
His pace is also a standout quality that would serve him well in Slot’s system.
Liverpool’s defensive structure which is already known for it’s high-press, will benefit from Frimpong’s ability to win back possession in advanced areas, preventing opposition counter-attacks before they can fully develop.
Perhaps most importantly, the right-back’s versatility is a major selling point.
He has also shown his strength to operate as a wing-back or even in more advanced attacking roles, such as a right-winger.
This adaptability would offer Arne Slot even more flexibility as Liverpool are required to navigate a full season competing on multiple fronts.
THE FINANCIAL APPEAL
From a financial standpoint, Jeremie Frimpong also represents a sensible choice for Liverpool.
At twenty-four, he is entering his peak years and his value is likely to increase upon further development.
There is a sense of opportunity for Liverpool to secure a talented player without a prohibitively high transfer fee, especially when compared to some of the more high-profile names in the current market.
It has now been confirmed by Fabrizio Romano, that Frimpong has a £30million release clause in his current Bayer Leverkusen deal and will be available to activate in the summer window.
This clause has been set at a figure that Liverpool are likely to entertain and makes him an even more attractive prospect to the club.
This represents a potential deal that aligns with the Reds’ strategy of investing smartly and being at the front of the queue when needs must.
Given the current financial climate, having a player like Jeremie Frimpong available at an affordable price makes him a man in demand and it’s an opportunity that Liverpool can’t allow to let pass by.
FRIMPONG TEMPTED BY LIVERPOOL
With the transfer rumour appearing to build pace in the last days, it appears that Jeremie Frimpong would be in favour of a switch to Anfield this summer.
The Athletic’s David Ornstein has reported that the defender is ‘keen on the move’ if Liverpool were to pursue him, whilst Frimpong has openly admitted his admiration towards the club.
Frimpong stated in an interview with Ziggo Sport last year:
“[Liverpool] A great club with great history.
Who knows what the future will bring?”
The Reds’ links to the Dutchman caught attention in March when Frimpong was filmed appearing to joke with Ryan Gravenberch on international duty with the Netherlands, using some Scouse slang in their embrace.
Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo were also present during that camp.
All roads towards a summer signing are looking promising, thus far.
THE START OF A BUSY SUMMERArne Slot, John W Henry and FSG will be locked in conversations during the summer window.
Getty Images.
As the summer transfer window draws closer, Liverpool supporters will undoubtedly be watching closely for updates on Jeremie Frimpong and other potential moves.
While the future of Trent Alexander-Arnold at Anfield may have ended bittersweet, Frimpong could become the perfect heir.
As the boyhood Scouser sees his career away from Liverpool, the club will almost certainly need to make adjustments, but with a new right-back providing support to the up and coming Conor Bradley, the Reds will find themselves in capable hands.
If Liverpool decide that they want to active the release clause of the Bayer Leverkusen full-back, they’ll be securing a player ready to take over the role currently occupied by Alexander-Arnold, ushering in a fresh start to the right side of defence.
Want to get the latest Liverpool news direct to your phone?
![[Valid RSS]](../valid-rss.png "Validate my RSS feed")