Liverpool’s recruitment team is kicking into gear ahead of the transfer window opening in around two weeks’ time, with a deal for Jeremie Frimpong imminent and the club also advancing its pursuit of Milos Kerkez.
Frimpong completed the first part of his medical on Monday after Liverpool decided to trigger the $39 million release in his Bayer Leverkusen contract, while the Reds have also started talks with Bournemouth over Kerkez.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson have been crucial to Liverpool’s success in recent years, so it is crucial that Liverpool get it right when replacing the pair — while Alexander-Arnold is leaving the club for good, Andy Robertson is expected to be demoted to a backup role behind Kerkez next term.
Frimpong has emerged as one of the best wing-backs in the world in recent years, making his relatively modest release clause appealing to the Reds, particularly considering they are receiving no money at all for Alexander-Arnold.
Frimpong primarily played as a wing-back in Xabi Alonso’s system, and even played further forward as a right-winger, but he also has plenty of experience at right-back, which is where he will likely be deployed by Arne Slot.
On the opposite flank, Kerkez has been fantastic for Bournemouth, and few would argue against him having been the league’s best left-back this term.
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Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reported on Monday that Liverpool had contacted Bournemouth about the possibility of signing Kerkez, and that talks were advancing.
Kerkez is reportedly keen on the prospect of moving to Anfield, with the club currently thrashing out an agreement on the youngster’s personal terms.
Kerkez would likely cost in excess of $50 million, taking Liverpool’s summer spend on the two new full-backs to close to $100 million, and that is without addressing a number of other key positions in the squad.
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Alexander Isak would be the dream signing but he looks unattainable, with Newcastle on the brink of Champions League qualification and likely to demand a fee of around $200 million for the Sweden international.
Florian Wirtz, another player who has been linked with Liverpool, would cost a similar amount of money to Isak, and if Liverpool was to sign either Wirtz or Isak, the club would need to cut its cloth accordingly with other targets.
Striker Jonathan David is available on a free transfer after his Lille contract expired, while holding midfielder Angelo Stiller could be a good addition from VfB Stuttgart.
Liverpool’s possible summer signings
- Milos Kerkez
- Jeremie Frimpong
- Angelo Stiller
- Florian Wirtz
- Jonathan David
