Jeremie Frimpong is being heavily linked with a move to Liverpool – although it might not be the done deal some reports have made it out to be.
Links with the Bayer Leverkusen star have gone into overdrive over the past couple of days. Reports in Germany have even gone as far as saying the 24-year-old is “on the verge” of completing a move to Anfield, with Frimpong also said to have given his own green light to the deal.
The Reds’ interest in the Netherlands international is clear, as Liverpool.com revealed a couple of months ago, and it would seem there is some mutual interest between the club and Frimpong.
Leverkusen chiefs though have insisted that a deal is not as close as some have made it out to be – and it seems Liverpool might have other names in mind to replace the outgoing Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The Daily Mail claims that RB Leipzig’s Lutsharel Geertruida is seen as an alternative option to Frimpong, with Arne Slot knowing the defender well from their time together at Feyenoord.
In fact, Slot left quite an impression on Geertruida, with the 24-year-old giving the Liverpool boss a glowing review before being reunited with him in the Champions League.
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Speaking ahead of facing the Reds back in October, Geertruida told Leipzig’s official site: “Arne managed to get the best out of me.
“He was never afraid to give me some harsh truths and was always correct in what he said about me. I believe he was a game changer for Feyenoord as soon as he arrived in Rotterdam.
“We always looked to play a dominant style of football, no matter the opponent. That led to us winning both the league title and the cup, as well as also getting us to a Conference League final. That shows he did a really great job.”
Geertruida added: “He is an intelligent coach who knows how he wants to go about things. Off the field he is also very open and is always prepared to listen to what you have to say and is easy to have a conversation with.”
(Image: Pau Barrena/Getty Images)
Despite Geertruida being viewed as a possible alternative, it does seem as though Frimpong remains the frontrunner to replace Alexander-Arnold at Liverpool.
The Mail does indeed acknowledge the Reds’ interest in the right-back, and confirms that he is on the club’s shortlist ahead of the summer.
What’s more, Frimpong is said to be “extremely keen” on the move, having already built a good friendship with Ryan Gravenberch, as well as fellow Netherlands teammates Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo.
A $39 million release clause would also simplify matters for Liverpool, with Frimpong said to have an unofficial gentleman’s agreement with Leverkusen that he will leave this summer.
