Liverpool are in “advanced talks” to complete the signing of Bayer Leverkusen wing-back Jeremie Frimpong, according to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg.
The imminent exit of Trent Alexander-Arnold has heightened the need for a new right-back to arrive at Anfield this summer, with the Reds’ vice-captain off to Real Madrid.
While Conor Bradley is a great option for Liverpool in that position, relying on him to excel there every week at his age is arguably asking too much.
For that reason, competition for the Northern Irishman is needed, and it looks as though Frimpong is the man to come in a potential £34m deal, according to Plettenberg on X:
“Understand Liverpool are seriously pursuing Jeremie Frimpong. Advanced talks have already taken place. Following detailed analysis and due to his availability, he is currently one of the top options for LFC to potentially replace Trent Alexander-Arnold. Frimpong is planning to move this summer. The 24-y/o right wing-back can leave Leverkusen in the summer thanks to a release clause set at around €35–40m.”
Is Frimpong the perfect Trent replacement?
This is an exciting Liverpool update, with Frimpong a player who has proven himself at the top level, winning the Bundesliga title with Leverkusen last season.
The Dutchman has scored 30 goals and registered 44 assists in 190 appearances for the German side, highlighting his end product, and Neil Lennon lauded him after working together at Celtic:
“He was brilliant for me. I saw him playing for Man City’s Under-21s at Lennoxtown and I really liked the look of him. It was great to see him in the flesh and it’s so much better than looking at Y Scout and watching videos. He came in and he just blew us all away with his pace and his quality – and his enthusiasm. He’s got a very infectious personality. He’s a lovely boy but he could be quite naughty at times too.”
Still only 24, Frimpong stands out as the most eye-catching attack-minded replacement for Alexander-Arnold, although one issue may be his defensive work.
The Netherlands international has predominantly been a wing-back instead of a right-back down the years, and even a winger, but hopefully, Richard Hughes and Arne Slot believe he is still strong enough in that area of his game to be the ideal addition.
