Liverpool could be about to to pass on a hefty sum to Celtic as it steps up its search for a Trent Alexander-Arnold replacement. The defender announced earlier this week that he will be leaving Anfield when his contract expires this summer.
While Conor Bradley is likely to be given a chance to stake his claim as Liverpool’s new first-choice right back, Arne Slot is expected to be in the market for another option. Bayer Leverkusen and Netherlands defender Jeremie Frimpong is among those to be linked.
Frimpong, who came through the ranks at Manchester City, made his professional debut with Celtic and impressed during his time with the Scottish champions.
He joined Leverkusen in January 2021 but Celtic insisted on a sell-on clause for any future transfers, worth 30 per cent. It appears a case of when, not if, Frimpong will move on and he is believed to be valued at around $48 million. And such a fee would see Celtic pocket almost $9 million.
Slot and Frimpong have reportedly been in active communication, with several phone calls reportedly taking place, laying the foundation for a potential joint venture at Anfield for the two Dutchmen.
Christian Falk of Bild, an insider on Bundesliga affairs, has claimed: “Jeremie Frimpong and Arne Slot were on the phone a lot last month. Both are Dutch, and Slot wanted to sign him in the summer. The Liverpool head coach had been telling the full-back he was still keen to get him.”
(Image: Getty Images)
In other news, Veljko Milosavljevic has opened up about taking inspiration from Reds captain Virgil van Dijk as he gears up for a potential move away from Red Star Belgrade.
The Scottish giants are reportedly interested in the 17 year old, who is being hailed as one of the most promising talents to emerge from the Balkans in years.
The young Serbian defender expressed his admiration for Van Dijk, who joined Celtic before making his name in the Premier League.
Milosavljevic commented: “My role model in football is Virgil van Dijk. He is the best defender. I think I have learned so much this season and winning the title with Red Star Belgrade has been a dream for me.
Learn more
“I played in two Eternal Derbies against Partizan Belgrade too. I’m only 17 and I understand I still have a lot of learning to do. I hope to play many more important matches in the future and leave some mark on Red Star before I leave.
“For me, the past six months are the fulfilment of a boyhood dream. As a child, I dreamed of playing for the Red Star first team. I believe in myself and hope to keep learning and improving.
“I take on board a lot of advice from our manager Vladan Milojevic, who is one of the very best coaches of all time in Serbian football.”