Liverpool Eye Frimpong as Alexander-Arnold Nears Exit – Romano Reveals Transfer Plans
Liverpool are preparing for life after Trent Alexander-Arnold, and according to reliable reports from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong has emerged as a leading candidate to fill the void. With Alexander-Arnold strongly linked with a move to Real Madrid this summer, the Anfield hierarchy are wasting no time identifying successors.
Romano stated: “Jeremie Frimpong could be Trent’s replacement at LIVERPOOL, as he has €35m release clause valid.”
Real Madrid have reportedly made a formal approach to Liverpool to acquire Alexander-Arnold before his contract ends on 30 June 2025, aiming to register him for the FIFA Club World Cup, which kicks off on 18 June. The Spanish giants face Al Hilal in their opening match, and are keen to bring in reinforcements before the tournament.
Frimpong Fits the Modern Profile
Liverpool’s admiration for Frimpong extends beyond simply replacing Alexander-Arnold. The club’s decision-makers “like his profile”, especially his versatility and attacking prowess. Deployed as a wing-back in Xabi Alonso’s dynamic 3-4-3 system at Leverkusen, Frimpong has demonstrated blistering pace, confident dribbling, and the ability to progress the ball effectively – all traits Liverpool could use more of.
He isn’t a like-for-like replacement for Alexander-Arnold in terms of playmaking ability. However, Romano notes Frimpong is “not a passer like Alexander-Arnold, but is a great dribbler and ball progressor – something the Reds arguably lacked this term.”
With Luis Díaz currently the only natural dribbler in the squad, Frimpong could offer a new dimension from the right side. The Dutch international’s ability to push forward also provides cover for Mohamed Salah, a bonus that strengthens his case.
Value and Vision in the £30 Million Release Clause
One of the standout aspects of the Frimpong link is the affordable release clause. At £30 million (€35 million), Liverpool view this as a strategic bargain.
Considering the inflated nature of the transfer market, securing a player of Frimpong’s quality and age (23) at that price would be seen as shrewd business. Romano’s revelation confirms this perception: Liverpool see the fee as “significantly undervalued relative to Frimpong’s true market worth.”
This approach allows the Reds to preserve funds for reinforcements in other areas, particularly midfield and central defence.
Tactical Fit Under Arne Slot Remains Crucial
One challenge that arises, however, is system compatibility. Frimpong has excelled as a wing-back in a back-three system, and questions linger over how he’d adapt to a traditional back four.
This tactical nuance presents a challenge for Arne Slot, who now enters his second season in charge after winning the Premier League title in his debut campaign. Slot must find a way to exploit Frimpong’s strengths going forward while mitigating any defensive vulnerabilities.
With Slot likely to implement a variation of his high-pressing 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 system, Frimpong may be asked to tweak his game. This will demand coaching flexibility and patience, especially in early matches.
Our View – Anfield Index Analysis
Liverpool fans will no doubt feel a pang of sadness if Trent Alexander-Arnold’s journey ends this summer. He has been far more than a right-back — a local hero, a midfield metronome in disguise, and a unique tactical weapon. However, as with all great sides, evolution is essential.
Frimpong represents evolution. His pace, flair, and versatility bring something different. Where Trent dissected with surgical passes, Frimpong slices with directness and unpredictability. In Arne Slot’s more vertical and fluid system, that might be just what’s needed to maintain the team’s momentum.
The fee also suggests Liverpool are learning from past windows. £30 million for an attacking full-back in his prime years? That’s a Fenway Sports Group (FSG)-friendly deal if ever there was one. Should Frimpong succeed, it would reinforce Liverpool’s data-led recruitment model.
That said, defensive discipline will be key. The Premier League exposes positional weaknesses quickly, and fans will want to see whether Frimpong can hold his own when the tempo rises.
There’s also the emotional side — replacing Trent is no small task. Whoever follows will live in the shadow of a legend. But maybe that’s why Frimpong is ideal: he’s not a clone, but a completely different profile. And maybe that’s exactly what Liverpool need for the next chapter under Arne Slot.
