Liverpool has known that Trent Alexander-Arnold leaving was a possibility for some time and has therefore has enough of a chance to plan ahead. And one name that keep cropping up is Jeremie Frimpong of Bayer Leverkusen.
The Dutch international has been on the Reds’ radar for some time now, especially after his pivotal role in Leverkusen‘s Bundesliga triumph last season. Frimpong has a $43 million (£33 million) release clause, which has only intensified the chatter about a possible departure from the German outfit come summer.
Liverpool is among the clubs speculated to be keen on snapping up the 24-year-old defender when the transfer window reopens, and recent reports are adding fuel to the fire. It is understood that Frimpong is a player that the Reds are considering.
Operating primarily as a right wing-back for Leverkusen, Frimpong’s potential move to Liverpool could see him replace Alexander-Arnold, whose contract is winding down. And earlier this year, Frimpong let slip that he almost donned the Liverpool jersey at the dawn of his career.
Having joined Manchester City at nine years old, he disclosed that it was merely logistical hurdles that kept him from heading to Merseyside instead. “I was playing striker and scored a hat-trick in a final, I won player of the tournament,” Frimpong recounted to Rising Ballers.
“There were scouts there like Liverpool, Bolton, Man City and a lot more. But I chose Liverpool first. I was going to sign for them but back then, driving wasn’t a thing, my family wasn’t driving like that and it was far.
“And obviously, Man City was local so I tried Man City next and it made more sense. It was 15 minutes on the bus, so yeah.”
Alexander-Arnold will leave Liverpool after two decades with the club. While it has not been confirmed yet, he will be joining Real Madrid as a free agent.
“I’ve been a fan of this club my whole life, it has given me the opportunity to go and do everything I’ve done, to achieve everything,” Alexander-Arnold said. “So, I understand [why people won’t be happy].
“Growing up, seeing players leave that I’ve loved watching and have helped the team win trophies, you feel a connection to the players that you watch, especially when they bring success to the club as well.
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“So, I completely understand the feelings that go with that and I’ve felt it myself so I completely understand that the news will disappoint a lot of people, will anger people, it will make them upset.
“Obviously that went into the decision as well. It’s something you don’t want to do, you don’t want to ever have these moments where you feel like you’re letting a lot of people down, you’re disappointing a lot of people.
“But I’ve had to make a decision for me, it’s as simple as that. It’s a difficult one, it’s one that has played on my mind for a long time.
“But being able now to get it off my chest will feel like a weight is lifted. I think it’s important for the fans to know where I stand and know what the truth is.”
