Soon-to-be Liverpool right-back Jeremie Frimpong will reportedly complete his medical with the Reds on Monday as he prepares to finalise his £29.5m switch from Bayer Leverkusen.
It was reported over the weekend that the Premier League champions had decided to trigger the Dutchman’s affordable release clause, having identified him as the perfect successor to Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Personal terms have not been an issue for the former Celtic and Manchester City defender, who is understood to have given the green light to a five-year agreement with the Reds until the summer of 2030.
Frimpong is thought to have completed the first part of his medical with Liverpool, and according to Sky Sports News, the second part of the defender’s physical examinations will soon be finalised in England.
The report adds that the Netherlands international jetted into the UK on Sunday to complete the necessary tests, and he should soon be unveiled as Liverpool’s first signing of the summer window.
Frimpong ‘to complete Liverpool medical on Monday’
© Imago
Frimpong has supposedly already informed Bayer Leverkusen of his desire to join Liverpool, who have informed the 2023-24 Bundesliga champions of their intention to pay his release clause.
Frimpong’s compatriot Arne Slot has been leading the charm offensive for the defender, whom he rates very highly, and there is the prospect of the 24-year-old in attack as well as defence.
The Dutchman’s former club Celtic also stand to profit from Frimpong’s switch to Merseyside, having agreed a sell-on clause of a reported £5m when they sold him to Leverkusen in early 2021.
Since joining Die Werkself four-and-a-half years ago, Frimpong has excelled as a wing-back in Xabi Alonso‘s system, registering 30 goals and 44 assists in 190 appearances across all competitions.
The former Man City right-back – who also qualifies as a home-grown player – became a Bundesliga Invincible last season, while he boasts five goals and 12 assists from 48 matches in the current campaign.
Which shirt numbers could Frimpong take at Liverpool?
© Imago
When Alexander-Arnold officially clears out his Anfield locker, the Englishman’s iconic ’66’ jersey will become vacant, but it would be a shock to see Frimpong inherit that number.
Instead, the Dutchman will more than likely continue to don his favoured ’30’ shirt, which he has sported throughout his time at Bayer Leverkusen after also wearing that number in his final two years at Celtic.
The ’30’ at Liverpool has been vacant since 2015, having last been worn by Spanish attacker Suso, while Djimi Traore and Boudewijn Zenden have also sported that same shirt at Anfield down the years.
However, there is the possibility that the traditional right-back’s number ‘2’ shirt could become available, as the current holder of that shirt – Joe Gomez – may seek a move away in search of regular football.
Frimpong will also be battling Conor Bradley for right-back starts next season, and Liverpool recently announced a long-term contract extension for the Northern Ireland international.
