Reports have claimed that Jeremie Frimpong would be happy to move to Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen if they decide to sign a right-back this summer.
With right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold confirming last week that he intends to leave Anfield, rumours have suggested that the club will look to replace the Englishman in the transfer market.
Some fans and pundits have expressed confidence that current backup Conor Bradley is ready to fill the shoes of Alexander-Arnold, but the Northern Irishman has frequently suffered injury issues.
Liverpool have been credited with an interest in Bayer Leverkusen’s Frimpong, who can be signed for a fee in the region of £29.5m in the summer due to the existence of a release clause.
Sky Sports News report that the 24-year-old has told the Bundesliga club he wants to leave, with the defender on Liverpool’s list of potential targets.
© Imago
Does Frimpong make sense?
While Frimpong does not possess the unique passing ability of Alexander-Arnold, he is a willing runner, and in fact has made more sprints (983) than any player in the Bundesliga this term and he ranks in the top 10 for top speed (36.34km/h).
His ability to cover ground at pace could be vital for Mohamed Salah, who is 32 and may need to be surrounded by unselfish athletes in order to maintain his production levels.
It should also be noted that Frimpong has scored 23 goals and provided 25 assists for Leverkusen in 133 Bundesliga appearances, and his involvement in the final third may help soften the blow of losing Alexander-Arnold.
© Imago
Would Frimpong stall the development of Bradley?
Frimpong has many qualities that would be of value to most sides in European football, but there are fears that his arrival would stall the development of Bradley.
The current Liverpool right-back also has an intense playstyle, and he has shown great promise on the right side with Salah, and signing Frimpong could be detrimental to his career prospects.
However, boss Arne Slot will likely need to sign a right-back regardless of his plans for Bradley given the 21-year-old is yet to prove he can be trusted to stay fit across a season.
