Jeremie Frimpong signing for Liverpool solves two issues for Arne Slot – and the Reds boss will have Manchester City to thank for one.
talkSPORT understands the Reds are keen on Bayer Leverkusen star Frimpong to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold this summer.
The 24-year-old could prove one of the bargain signings of the summer due to his cut-price release clause.
talkSPORT sources have confirmed the Netherlands international has a clause in his contract which allows him to leave Leverkusen for just £29.7m [€35m] when the transfer window opens.
Frimpong boasts near identical attacking stats to Alexander-Arnold, with five goals and six assists in 33 Bundesliga appearances this term, one more than the Englishman’s 10 contributions in one fewer Premier League outing.
The former is already international teammates with Liverpool’s Dutch contingent, Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo, and Ryan Gravenberch.
However, unlike that trio, Frimpong would count as one of the Reds’ homegrown quota under Premier League rules.
Why does Frimpong count as homegrown?
The defender was born in Amsterdam but moved to England aged seven and spent nine years in Man City’s academy.
Ironically, Frimpong had originally wanted to join Liverpool‘s youth set-up, having been scouted by both teams when he was nine.
The right-back recently revealed that logistical issues forced him to settle for a move to the Etihad instead.
He told Rising Ballers: “I was playing striker and scored a hat-trick in a final, I won player of the tournament. There were scouts there like Liverpool, Bolton, Man City and a lot more were present.
“But I chose Liverpool first. I was going to sign for them, but back then, driving wasn’t a thing, my family wasn’t driving like that, and it was far. And obviously, Man City was local, so I tried Man City next, and it made more sense. It was 15 minutes on the bus, so yeah.”
Frimpong, who retains a slight Mancunian twinge in his accent, was able to qualify to play for England but chose Netherlands as a teen.
When asked if he could represent the Three Lions in 2021, Frimpong told ESPN Netherlands: “I can but England’s out the way.
“I’m not English, I’m Dutch.
“Yes of course (it was a dream). As a young kid, I wanted to play for my country, to play for Holland.”
Frimpong ultimately joined Celtic as a teenager for a bargain £350,000 in 2019 after failing to make a senior appearance for City.
He was snapped up by Leverkusen two years later, and his career has since gone from strength to strength under Xabi Alonso in Germany.
Frimpong’s homegrown status may prove particularly enticing to Liverpool, who are anticipating a major hit in that area this summer.
Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, who also qualifies, is expected to seek a permanent transfer away from Anfield.
With Liverpool set to welcome Georgian star Giorgi Mamardashvili to Merseyside, Kelleher has been linked with a switch to Bournemouth.
Similarly, the futures of both Harvey Elliott and Jarell Quansah are in doubt, months before they qualify for a homegrown spot next term.
Elliott is on the radar of a number of Premier League clubs, including Wolves, having started just one top-flight match this year.
