Liverpool have decided on their preferred replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold after compiling a two-man shortlist, it has been reported.
Alexander-Arnold confirmed last Monday that he would be leaving Liverpool on a free transfer at the end of his contract last month.
He was audibly booed by sections of Reds fans inside Anfield when he came on as a second half substitute during Sunday’s Premier League match against Arsenal.
He was also jeered by a small number of supporters at the Kop End after the 2-2 draw, with midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai pleading with them to ‘lay off‘ the England international as per the Daily Mail’s Lewis Steele.
Conor Bradley looks set to play a more significant role next season at right-back after another impressive campaign for the Reds.
But as things stand, the Northern Irishman would be the squad’s only natural option in the position heading into next season.
As a result, Liverpool have already been on the search for a replacement for Alexander-Arnold – and appear to have chosen their preferred candidate.
According to L’Equipe, the Reds have identified Bayer Leverkusen and Netherlands right-back Jeremie Frimpong as their top target for the summer window.
Frimpong has had 26 goal contributions over the last two Bundesliga seasons, and provided five assists in just 10 appearances in this season’s Champions League.
He played a key role, playing as a right wing-back, in Leverkusen’s treble-winning campaign last term, which included an unbeaten Bundesliga season.
But the club failed to retain their title this term, and with manager Xabi Alonso set to depart imminently, Frimpong may decide that now is the time to consider his future.
Sky Sports Germany’s Florian Plettenberg reports that Liverpool are already in ‘advanced talks‘ with Frimpong’s representatives.
Liverpool have reportedly decided on their Trent Alexander-Arnold replacement (Image: Twitter/@Plettigoal)
And his release clause is said to stand at an affordable sum of between €35 to €40 million.
Should the 24-year-old move to Anfield, it would not be his first experience of English football, or indeed in the United Kingdom.
He came through Manchester City’s youth setup before sealing a move to Scottish giants Celtic.
Frimpong was continually linked with a move to Manchester United throughout Erik ten Hag’s time in charge, but a transfer agreement was never struck.
