Liverpool have been handed a major boost in their search for a new right-back to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold.
talkSPORT understands the Reds are keen on Bayer Leverkusen star Jeremie Frimpong and he can be snapped up for less than £30million this summer.
Frimpong could prove one of the bargain signings of the summer due to his cut-price release clause.
talkSPORT sources have confirmed the 24-year-old Netherlands international has a clause in his contract which allows him to leave Leverkusen for just £29.7m [€35m] when the transfer window opens.
The ex-Man City academy ace has been on the radar of Liverpool boss Arne Slot who aims to bolster his side after their Premier League winning season.
And right-back will be a key position to fill due to Alexander-Arnold’s exit to Real Madrid.
But while it will be one of their priorities, it’s not the only position Slot is looking to strengthen as the boss aims to add quality to three other key areas of the pitch.
The Dutch boss set to be given a tidy kitty to sign new players after guiding Liverpool to a 20th top flight title in his first season in charge.
With goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili ready due to arrive from Valencia, the Reds will look to land a new left-back, centre-back and striker, as well as a possible Alexander-Arnold replacement.
Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez is a leading contender at left-back as the club looks to support 31-year-old Andy Robertson, while Cherries teammate Dean Huijsen is also on their radar with question marks over Jarell Quansah’s Anfield future.
Should Frimpong joined Liverpool, he would likely receive a decent increase in his current wages, said to be around £65,000-a-week, to add alongside his New Balance boot deal reportedly worth £20m.
Frimpong is already good friends with a few Liverpool stars through the Dutch national team.
The defender fuelled speculation over a summer move by greeting Ryan Gravenberch in a scouse accent during a recent international break.
Greeting him with a smile and a handshake, Frimpong could be heard saying to the Liverpool midfielder: “Alright la. You alright? You alright, la?”
Virgil van Dijk is also his national team captain, while Cody Gakpo is a regular in the Oranje team, not to mention it is the country where Slot hails from.
Frimpong is regarded as one of the best right-backs in Europe due to his form for Bayer Leverkusen.
Under the leadership of Liverpool legend Xabi Alonso, Frimpong has helped Leverkusen to both the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal titles during his four years with the German club.
Having started his career in Manchester City’s academy, he then moved to Celtic where he made his first team breakthrough.
He then moved to Germany for an undisclosed fee in January 2021.
Frimpong’s consistent and impressive performances at club level have earned him ten senior Dutch international caps.
In 189 games for Leverkusen he has provided 44 assists and scored 29 goals.
Platformed by Alonso’s wing-back system, evidently Frimpong is a major attacking threat and has even been deployed as a winger for his national side.
Frimpong’s explosive acceleration, dribbling style and crossing ability allows him to thrive in counter-attacking set ups.
He ranks in the top percentile of progressive carries in comparison to full-backs according to FBREF.
But any Liverpool fans wanting a more defensively solid right-back to replace Alexander-Arnold may be left wanting by the talented star.
While affective going forward and his speed meaning he is adept at recovery runs, Frimpong has not demonstrated a consistent ability to become a brick wall, lockdown defender, which has often been a criticism laid at Alexander-Arnold’s door during his Anfield career.
