Liverpool eye Jeremie Frimpong as potential replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold

Reports suggest that Liverpool football club is close to finalising a deal for Bayer Leverkusen defender Jeremie Frimpong. The club has identified him as a key replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who will leave at the end of the season. Talks between Liverpool and Frimpong’s camp have progressed well. Reports suggest a five-year contract is nearly ready. The Dutch right-back has a €40 million release clause, which makes the deal easier for Liverpool. If completed, this would be Arne Slot’s first major signing of the summer as he prepares for life without Alexander-Arnold at the LB position.Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to end his long association with Liverpool. The England international is expected to join Real Madrid after his contract expires this summer. Liverpool has been planning for his departure and identified Frimpong as their top choice. The 24-year-old player has a €40 million buy-out in his Leverkusen contract, which has made it easier for the transfer to be concluded.Frimpong has performed extremely well under ex-manager and Real Madrid legend Xabi Alonso. He contributed to an unbeaten Bundesliga season and a German Cup success in Leverkusen. He scored 5 goals and had 12 assists in all competitions in the 2023-24 campaign. Liverpool’s new manager, Arne Slot, seems open to revolve his defence around Frimpong. Reports indicate that both parties are close to an agreement. It is expected that once the transfer window opens in June, the deal will become official.Jeremie Frimpong is an energetic player. He plays from the right-hand side and regularly outpaces defenders to get goals. He launched his career at Manchester City, and later he joined Celtic that same year before returning to Leverkusen in 2021. In Leverkusen, he flourished under a system of 3-4-2-1, which allowed him the room to move forward. Made a total of 26 goal contributions last season, improving the attacking qualities of a defender that he is.Liverpool will most likely use him in a similar position to Alexander-Arnold. Although Frimpong is not the perfect replacement with regards to style of play, his energy and forward runs make him a good choice. Slot might have to readjust the shape of the team a little bit in order to get the best out of Frimpong. However, with Mohamed Salah in front of him on the right, both could make a great partnership.Jeremie Frimpong’s arrival would be Liverpool’s second headline signing under Arne Slot. This would mean that if everything goes to plan, he might be in the Liverpool jersey by the month of June.Also Read: Trent Alexander-Arnold to leave Liverpool at end of Premier League season