Frimpong, Full-Backs and Forward Planning: Liverpool’s Summer Strategy Takes Shape

Left-Back Remains Liverpool’s Transfer Priority

There is a calm, calculated confidence to Liverpool’s current rebuild — a post-title transition under Arne Slot that feels both necessary and measured. After regaining the Premier League crown, the challenge now is not just to hold it, but to evolve while maintaining momentum. According to The Athletic, the first area of focus is clear: left-back.

With Andy Robertson entering the final phase of his peak years and Kostas Tsimikas likely to move on if reinforcements arrive, the need to address this flank is paramount. Milos Kerkez of Bournemouth is strongly linked, but sources indicate he is “not the only option” being considered.

Despite losing Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid, Liverpool are still prioritising the left side of defence. That’s not to say the right isn’t being addressed — but rather that Conor Bradley, Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah are seen as adequate cover for now.

Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes are overseeing a multi-dimensional strategy, where no one area is left vulnerable, but priorities are defined. The left-back slot is chief among them.

Frimpong’s Value Aligns with FSG’s Model

That said, Liverpool’s interest in Jeremie Frimpong is real and active. According to The Athletic, there are a few standout reasons for pursuing the Bayer Leverkusen star.

“One of which is his release clause – understood to be between £29-33m. It would represent a similar deal to the one which took Alexis Mac Allister to Anfield.”

It’s a financial structure the club is comfortable with — strategic, fair value, low-risk. More than that, Frimpong offers versatility. He can operate as a traditional right-back, an inverted full-back or even further forward, as a right winger.

This could prove vital come January when Mo Salah leaves for the Africa Cup of Nations — a tournament that regularly stretches Liverpool’s squad depth.

Character and Chemistry Key to Recruitment

Frimpong’s qualities aren’t limited to the pitch. As The Athletic noted, “The 24-year-old is extremely popular at Leverkusen, which fits a key recruitment goal for Liverpool in signing good players who are also good people.”

That matters. Slot is assembling a side that blends tactical discipline with cohesion and spirit. Frimpong already shares strong relationships with Dutch teammates Ryan Gravenberch, Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo — chemistry that could smooth his transition to Merseyside.

Then there’s the homegrown status. Despite his Dutch nationality, Frimpong qualifies due to spending over a decade in Manchester City’s academy. With limited non-homegrown spots available, that detail could prove decisive.

Liverpool’s Summer Blueprint Extends Beyond Full-Backs

While the club remains in dialogue with Frimpong’s representatives, central defence is also under discussion. A move for Dean Huijsen has been explored, though interest from Xabi Alonso and Bayer Leverkusen could complicate matters.

Elsewhere, contract talks with Luis Díaz are ongoing. The Colombian winger has reportedly indicated his willingness to stay long-term — welcome news amid constant links away.

Slot’s first summer, then, looks anything but scattergun. It’s layered, deliberate and underpinned by a desire to enhance rather than replace. Frimpong may or may not arrive, but the message is clear: Liverpool are building from a position of strength, not desperation.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

This is exactly the sort of planning we’ve long wanted to see from Liverpool. Rather than reacting to problems after they appear, the club now looks to be two or three moves ahead. Slot’s fingerprints are already visible — intelligent, balanced, forward-looking decisions.

Frimpong ticks every box. He’s versatile, attack-minded, tactically disciplined and brings personality to the squad. That he qualifies as homegrown only sweetens the deal, especially with Trent’s departure leaving a notable void.

Fans will rightly be emotional about Trent moving to Madrid. But in Frimpong, there’s a chance to write a new story. If he comes in, with Conor Bradley developing and a left-back like Kerkez arriving, Liverpool’s full-back evolution looks strong.

We’re not just patching holes anymore — we’re building with purpose. That’s what excites fans the most. Whether Frimpong signs or not, the message is clear: this Liverpool side isn’t resting on its laurels. It’s preparing to fight again.