Lynch suggests Liverpool would be happy to get their money back on Jeremie Frimpong

Liverpool could be receptive to recovering their investment in Jeremie Frimpong, according to David Lynch, who believes the defender has struggled to find a suitable role at Anfield.

Discussing reports linking Frimpong with Saudi Arabia on Anfield Index’s Media Matters podcast, Lynch argued that positional difficulties and injury problems had combined to make the signing unsuccessful so far.

He went as far as predicting that the Netherlands international could leave before next season. That was his assessment of the situation, rather than confirmation of an agreed transfer or an active negotiation.

Saudi links prompt questions over Frimpong’s future

The discussion centred on reports connecting Frimpong with Al Hilal and a possible reunion with Richard Hughes.

Asked whether Liverpool would be happy to recover the money spent on the player, Lynch agreed.

“Yeah, I think so,” he said. “It’s just not worked out for him, unfortunately.”

Lynch also referred to reports suggesting Frimpong was open to a Saudi move. He made his assessment conditional on that accurately reflecting the player’s position.

“If that’s from his side of things and that’s his perspective, then that means there’s probably some legs to it,” he said.

There was no claim that Liverpool had accepted an offer. The significance of the discussion was that Lynch could see a potential alignment between a player seeking a more suitable role and a club reconsidering his place in the squad.

Positional fit remains central concern

For Lynch, the central problem is how Frimpong fits into Liverpool’s system.

“He’s finding, very similar to Szoboszlai, that there’s not really a position for him in this team because Liverpool don’t use wing-backs,” he said.

“He’s not incisive enough to be a winger, and he’s not good enough generally in his overall defensive game to be a right-back either.”

That is a strong judgement on his current suitability, rather than a denial of the qualities that made him an attractive signing.

Pace and attacking ambition can be valuable, but they need to serve a defined role. Lynch’s concern is that Liverpool have not found one that consistently brings out Frimpong’s strengths while protecting against his weaknesses.

A player can offer something different without necessarily offering what a particular team needs.

Injuries have complicated difficult adjustment

Lynch also questioned whether Frimpong had adapted physically to the demands placed on him.

“I think the speed and the intensity of the Premier League, the frequency with which he’s having to use those sprints,” he said, had contributed to the difficulties.

He linked those concerns with the player’s availability, arguing that injuries had made an already awkward tactical fit harder to resolve.

That assessment should not be confused with a medical diagnosis. Lynch was discussing his interpretation of Frimpong’s performances and fitness record.

The practical consequence is clearer: limited availability reduces the opportunity to establish rhythm, improve understanding with teammates and convince a manager that a particular role can work.

For a player still trying to establish his place, those interruptions matter.

Recovering transfer outlay could offer a solution

Lynch suggested the original fee could make an exit achievable without a substantial financial loss.

“The upside was that he was only 35 million. They could probably get that money back if they sell him now because he’s still a decent age,” he said.

That was an estimate of what might be possible, not a reported bid or a confirmed Liverpool valuation.

His prediction about Frimpong’s future was nevertheless clear.

“I would be surprised if he starts next season as a Liverpool player, to be honest,” Lynch said.

“Particularly if the player is open to a move away, then it will be, I think, best for everyone if he does make that move.”

Any departure still requires an interested club, acceptable terms and the player’s agreement. Lynch’s argument is that Liverpool now have good reason to explore that possibility if a credible offer arrives.