With March at its end, Liverpool and clubs across Europe are already laying the groundwork for their summer transfer business.
Liverpool prepare talks for Milos Kerkez
TBR Football reports that Liverpool are ready to open negotiations with Bournemouth over a deal for Milos Kerkez, who has been identified as a key target by Arne Slot to replace Kostas Tsimikas on the left side of defence.
However, the Reds could also make a significant addition on the right, with Trent Alexander-Arnold expected to join Real Madrid on a free transfer at the end of the season.
Jeremie Frimpong identified as potential successor to TAA
Should Alexander-Arnold complete his high-profile move to Spain, Liverpool have set their sights on Jeremie Frimpong as his replacement.
TBR Football reports that Slot instructed Liverpool to begin working on a deal for Frimpong in February, well before Alexander-Arnold’s move was considered a certainty.
And now, a fresh development has further hinted that Frimpong’s departure from Bayer Leverkusen is on the horizon.
Bayer Leverkusen line up Andrei Ratiu as Frimpong’s replacement
According to AS in Spain, Bayer Leverkusen have begun making contingency plans for life after Frimpong, with Rayo Vallecano’s Andrei Ratiu emerging as their top replacement.
Rayo Vallecano’s Sporting Director, David Cobeno, has already addressed the interest in Ratiu, saying: “We’re very happy with Andrei here. The narrative is always the same.
“Whoever wants him will have to pay his release clause. Time will tell if he stays with us.”
Reports indicate that the Romanian international has a €25m (£20m) release clause, a fee that Leverkusen may be prepared to meet if they lose Frimpong to Liverpool.
Leverkusen face competition for Ratiu – How it affects Liverpool
While Leverkusen are pushing for Ratiu as Frimpong’s successor, they face strong competition from several clubs.
AS claims that Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are both interested, with Tottenham Hotspur also tracking the Romanian, who has impressed in La Liga with two goals and three assists in 27 appearances this season.
Should Leverkusen fail to land Ratiu, they may be reluctant to sell Frimpong without a suitable replacement lined up – potentially delaying or complicating Liverpool’s pursuit of the Dutch fullback.
With Kerkez targeted on the left and Frimpong on the right, Liverpool’s summer defensive revamp is beginning to take shape. The coming months will now be crucial as the Reds navigate the transfer market to ensure Slot has the squad he needs to challenge on all fronts next season.
