There was a mixed reaction among fans to the news that Liverpool is in talks with Jeremie Frimpong about a possible transfer.
There have been discussions this week between the Bayer Leverkusen star’s camp and Liverpool, but a deal is not close at this stage. That could change quickly given the player is ready to move on and has a relatively modest release fee of around €35 million ($40M/£30M).
On the surface, it’s a deal that makes sense. Frimpong is affordable, won’t require months of negotiating, is deemed a homegrown player from his time at Manchester City, and – perhaps most importantly – has the talent required to thrive in this Liverpool team. He would bring an extra attacking thrust to the side, offering a different threat from the incisive passing of Trent Alexander-Arnold, while the capacity to play in a more advanced role offers great squad depth.
A no-brainer, then? Well, not quite.
Firstly, Frimpong’s rampaging, explosive dribbling style does clash somewhat with the system Arne Slot has imposed at Liverpool since his arrival last summer. He prefers his full-backs to operate in a more conventional role, playing narrower and closer to the center-backs. An abundance of swashbuckling sprints forward has been lacking so far under the regime.
Signing Frimpong would invariably lead to a move away from that approach. That Milos Kerkez, a similarly dynamic full-back, also appears to be the first choice on the opposite flank suggests a radical alternation next term.
However, the biggest concern with a move for Frimpong would be where it leaves Conor Bradley. At 21, having spent his entire senior career to date playing in Alexander-Arnold’s shadow, the England international’s imminent departure felt like the natural point of succession for another academy graduate.
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They’re big boots to fill, but few question whether Bradley has the technical ability. What is lacking, for now, is the experience of playing weekly and a record of reliably staying fit.
That’s why another right-back feels necessary this summer, but ideally one that will not cap Bradley’s development. That is unlikely to be Frimpong.
It’s hard to imagine a scenario where the Dutch international moves to Anfield as Bradley’s support artist – and then where would that leave Liverpool’s no.84?
The prospect of signing a more experienced, yet slightly less talented right-back has been suggested, with Ola Aina and Kyle Walker-Peters mentioned. It’s not a terrible idea, but what if Bradley picks up a serious injury again? Can either be relied upon to play regularly as Liverpool competes for the Premier League and Champions League titles?
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It’s a conundrum for Slot to solve, as reports continue to link Liverpool with a plethora of defenders in the market.
Another name re-emerged on Wednesday after months without a mention in the rumor mills, one that perhaps offers the most obvious solution. The Daily Mail claims the Reds are interested in Lutsharel Geertruida, who played under Slot at Feyenoord.
At 24, he fits the age profile Liverpool prioritizes in the market, and the player understands Slot’s tactical approach. As a regular at RB Leipzig – a Champions League side – he has the talent required to occupy a spot in the Liverpool squad, but perhaps is just behind the levels shown routinely by Bradley.
Crucially, Geertruida can also play as center-back, left-back, and even in midfield; he’s played in all of those positions this season alone.
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So, should the Dutchman arrive at Anfield as Bradley’s backup, Geertruida’s adaptability and versatility mean he could operate in several roles and help fill in gaps throughout the team where required?
No, this feels like a no-brainer.
The only hurdle will be agreeing a fee for the defender, but given Sky Germany claims Geertruida is “extremely dissatisfied” with his first campaign in the Bundesliga and has dropped out of the team of late, negotiating a fee could be more straightforward than expected, especially given it’s Jurgen Klopp who handles Leipzig transfers these days.
This feels right and makes sense. Geertruida could be the perfect answer to Slot’s right-back dilemma.
