Liverpool is set to lose Trent Alexander-Arnold this summer. It’s yet to become apparent whether or not it will pursue a direct replacement at right-back, but Jeremie Frimpong is one potential candidate — and two reasons why the move could go ahead have recently become clear.
There’s every chance that Arne Slot will decide to go with what he has in Conor Bradley. The replacement for Alexander-Arnold’s creativity may ultimately lie in midfield, even if links to Kevin De Bruyne appear to be wide of the mark.
But if nothing else, there are question marks over Bradley’s ability to stay fit for a full season. And Liverpool would surely prefer a more like-for-like alternative than converted center-back Jarell Quansah, who does not offer the same attacking threat.
Frimpong certainly checks that box. Indeed, he has been operating as more of a wide midfielder under Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen, and his biggest task would be proving to Slot that he has the requisite defensive diligence.
But it does have the hallmarks of a deal that could happen quickly if Slot and Richard Hughes give it the green light. First of all, Frimpong has a surprisingly affordable release clause.
Speaking on NBC, David Ornstein confirmed that the Dutchman’s contract contains a clause in the region of $40 million (£30 million), a figure which has also been reported elsewhere. Even if required to pay it all upfront, Liverpool could presumably trigger that without too much difficulty.
In the modern transfer market, that has to go down as a bargain price. Frimpong is still only 24, he is a Netherlands international, and he was a key part of last season’s Bundesliga win.
He has been fairly impressive again this season, recording four league goals and six assists, along with a further five Champions League assists. There is a lot to like.
(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
But the more significant part of Ornstein’s update was the revelation that Frimpong would be keen on the move to Liverpool. Should the chance arrive, it is thought that he would like to come to Anfield.
Of course, that probably applies to most players in world football, especially following Slot’s debut Premier League triumph. Even so, it is not a total given, especially among in-demand transfer targets like Frimpong.
Perhaps Liverpool already had a clue that he would be open to the switch. During the last international break, he greeted Ryan Gravenberch in a mock Scouse accent.
That’s a relatively niche thing to have become familiar with purely through an international colleague. It begs the question of whether he has been doing his research into Liverpool…
In any case, Frimpong would certainly be joining a Dutch contingent that would make him feel at home. Liverpool is forging a strong connection to the Netherlands, with Slot, Gravenberch, Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo all important figures.
A lot still needs to happen for Frimpong to join that group. But the price is right, and the player wants the move — it seems to make an awful lot of sense.
