Liverpool are now claimed to be one of the clubs interested in snapping up the services of Bayer Leverkusen star Jeremie Frimpong in January, according to Spanish news outlet Depor.
The Reds could look to continue their squad rebuild in January when the transfer market reopens after a successful summer window and the club are wasting no time in determining their targets.
Liverpool have already been linked with several players over the campaign so far, especially now that it is getting closer to the January window and it seems that the key focus is the defensive midfield role.
Following Fabinho’s departure in the summer, Wataru Endo has been brought in to bolster the more defensive presence in midfield but is yet to become a regular starter under Jurgen Klopp, so it seems that there may be an opportunity to strengthen that role in the centre of the pitch.
Although the deep-lying midfield role is a hot topic of conversation, planning for the next generation of the back four is also something that will be likely considered by the club over the coming transfer windows ahead.
The Merseyside giants were linked with several defenders including Micky Van de Ven, Levi Colwill and Marc Guehi in the summer, so it will come as no surprise that Liverpool are targeting another youthful player who could be
Depor have claimed that Liverpool have decided to enter the race to capture the talent of Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong, with Real Madrid and Chelsea both also keen on the talented right-back’s services.
Who is Jeremie Frimpong?
The Reds have never really needed to consider bringing in a right-back after Trent Alexander-Arnold rose through the ranks of the academy to make the role his very own in the senior squad upon the arrival of Klopp.
However, with a new role emerging further up the field it would be advantageous for the German coach to have a more defensive-minded full-back who can offer something different to his elected vice captain.
According to FBref, over the last 12 months Frimpong has been one of the most high-performing full-backs in the top five European leagues, ranking in the top 5% of his positional peers for non-penalty goals, assists, successful take-ons, progressive carries and touches per 90 minutes.
Not only that, the 22-year-old Dutchman has been the recipient of high praise over his short career so far, with Liverpool legend and Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso waxing lyrical about the young talent after being selected to represent the Netherlands in the World Cup squad:
“He has a very big impact on our game. He is a very good player, but for me is even a special player. It is logical that Louis Van Gaal gives him the chance because he is a difference player.”
Liverpool have had huge success in their recruitment of Netherlands natives with, of course, captain Virgil van Dijk who has been integral to the club’s recent success, whilst Cody Gakpo and newcomer Ryan Gravenberch are also regular features at Anfield.
With that being said, it will be interesting to see if Liverpool will make an approach for Frimpong in January and whether they will be willing to get into another transfer battle to compete with Real Madrid or Chelsea for his signature.
