The Arne Slot era is already cooking. Don’t take our word for it; that’s the view of former Liverpool winger Ryan Babel.
The 38-year-old is still fondly remembered at Anfield for his three-and-a-half-year stint with Liverpool between 2007 and 2011. It was the longest singular spell he spent at one club and his 142 appearances are the most for any team during a distinguished career that saw Babel earn 69 international caps.
Understandably, given Liverpool’s Dutch connections now, Babel is keeping an even closer eye than usual on the goings on at his old club. He is expecting another Netherlands native to be joining Slot’s pack soon.
“Jeremie Frimpong to Liverpool confirmed,” the former winger wrote on X. “Medical done, contract incoming, announcement loading… The Slot Era is cooking already.”
Liverpool.com reported on Tuesday that personal terms were agreed between Liverpool and the player, the first part of Frimpong’s medical was completed and the second stage would be concluded soon.
Reports have since indicated that the full medical has now been completed and it’s only a matter of time until the right-back’s transfer is confirmed.
Liverpool moved quickly to activate Frimpong’s €35 million ($39M/£29M) release clause, stealing a march on the rest of Europe’s elite clubs. Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester City have also been monitoring the situation for some time.
(Image: PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
His arrival will bring a new dynamic to Liverpool and, as Babel indicated, usher in a new era at Anfield.
The Liverpool head coach has certainly implemented his style on the team this season and evolved from Jurgen Klopp’s slightly chaotic approach. But there has been a sense that he is working with another man’s tools; a feeling that his modus operandi has not yet been revealed.
Moving for Frimpong indicates he wants more dynamism and explosiveness from his right-back. For all Trent Alexander-Arnold’s undeniable qualities, he lacks the capacity to offer penetrative runs from deep.
A transfer for Milos Kerkez, as has been reported, would also be a hint that Slot will have different expectations of his full-backs next season.
Where else Liverpool looks to make additions after that will also provide an insight to Slot’s tactical plans for next season. A Florian Wirtz-esque false nine, or a classic striker like Benjamin Sesko? Will a holding midfielder arrive to add more control, or could a new attacking option see Dominik Szoboszlai drop deeper?
All and more will be revealed over the summer. But first it’s Frimpong, in a transfer that shows Liverpool means business this year in the market.
