Liverpool’s move for Jeremie Frimpong took a step forward on Saturday, with the full-back’s transfer expected to be confirmed soon.
The Bayer Leverkusen star was identified as a prime target to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back, following the 26-year-old’s decision to leave Liverpool and join Real Madrid.
The Reds are set to match Frimpong’s €35 million ($40M) buyout clause, with the player reportedly keen on a move to the Premier League champions. He will likely share right-back responsibilities with Conor Bradley, who signed a new four-year contract on Saturday.
In a busy day of right-back news, Fabrizio Romano shared one of his famous “here we go” updates, all but confirming the deal is close.
“Jeremie Frimpong set to join Liverpool, here we go!” Romano wrote on X. “Agreement done for Dutch right back as Bayer Leverkusen are informed on €35m release clause being triggered.
“Understand Frimpong will sign a five year deal with medical now being scheduled. New RB for #LFC.”
Other reports have since emerged, with Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg claiming: “Frimpong to Liverpool can be considered a done deal. A full verbal agreement is in place.” He added Arne Slot “really wanted” Frimpong.
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Transfer reporter Ben Jacobs added: “Understand Liverpool first approached Frimpong last summer but Xabi Alonso persuaded him to stay another year at Leverkusen.
“Frimpong was sold on Liverpool even before Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future was clear. He spoke directly with Arne Slot more recently as well.”
The news of the escalation in Frimpong’s situation came during Leverkusen’s final game of the Bundesliga season, which it drew 2-2 against Mainz.
Frimpong was, surprisingly, an unused substitute, although given Leverkusen’s spot as runners-up was already confirmed, there’s little to read into that detail. It was also Alonso’s final game at the club, and possibly Florian Wirtz, who played the full 90 minutes at the Mewa Arena.
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Wirtz has also been linked with a move to Anfield, although the feeling within Liverpool is that the most likely outcome is the player remaining in Germany with either Leverkusen or Bayern Munich.
As for Frimpong, his arrival will mark a departure from the Reds’ current approach at right-back. Arnold-Arnold’s creativity will be difficult to replace, and Frimping’s explosive dribbling style suggests a change in approach for Slot next season.
Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez is also reportedly a summer target. The Hungarian is another offensive, dynamic full-back who would differ from Andy Robertson on the left flank.
