Liverpool transfer target Jeremie Frimpong has given a heartfelt goodbye to departing Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso as the legendary Spaniard gears up to step into Carlo Ancelotti’s shoes at Real Madrid.
Since Alonso’s arrival in 2022, Frimpong has been a key figure in Leverkusen’s ascension, establishing a close rapport with the 43 year old coach.
The dynamic right-back has been a mainstay in the team under Alonso’s guidance, playing a pivotal role in their incredible title-winning season last year where he scored an impressive 14 goals across all competitions and added seven assists.
Alonso’s influence has been instrumental in morphing Frimpong into an offensive powerhouse on the wing, further enhancing his reputability since his days at Manchester City and Celtic.
With Alonso making it known he is wrapping up his tenure this summer, Frimpong issued a parting tribute alongside a celebratory image of the duo on the pitch, penning: “Lived it. Loved it. Farewell, coach.”
Alonso’s exit potentially opens the door for Frimpong to make a switch, especially with Liverpool’s interest and their search for a new right-back after Trent Alexander-Arnold signalled his departure at the close of the campaign.
Alexander-Arnold seems destined for Real Madrid, likely reuniting with Alonso, which paves Frimpong’s path to potentially fill the vacancy at Anfield.
(Image: Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
The Times have previously suggested that Frimpong is a “leading candidate should Liverpool look to strengthen in that position this summer”, and The Guardian has also reported that he’s on Arne Slot’s radar.
With a release clause of around $40 million, he would be a cost-effective option for Liverpool, who also have academy product Conor Bradley at their disposal.
Liverpool have also been linked with Monaco right-back Vanderson as they seek a replacement for Alexander-Arnold following the England international’s decision to part ways with his childhood club.
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Slot had hoped to retain the 26-year-old and expressed his “disappointment” over losing him this week, breaking his silence on the player’s departure.
“I think, like everybody who likes Liverpool and is a fan of Liverpool, we are disappointed for him leaving because not only a good human being is leaving the club but a very good full-back is leaving us as well.
“But the experience I have – and by the way this club as well – is that if a very good player is leaving, the next very good player will step up and that probably will happen now.”
