Liverpool’s summer transfer window is heating up early, and the headlines are anything but quiet. The biggest news so far? Trent Alexander-Arnold — a player once considered untouchable — is reportedly on the verge of a high-profile move to Real Madrid. His departure could mark the end of an era at Anfield and spark a significant tactical shift under manager Arne Slot.
In response, Liverpool are eyeing Dutch right-back Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen. Known for his blistering pace and attacking intent, Frimpong would represent a sharp contrast to Alexander-Arnold’s playmaking style. The change signals a wider rethinking of Liverpool’s shape, priorities, and execution next season — especially if Salah’s role evolves or diminishes due to age or rotation.
What Supporters Can Expect This Summer
Liverpool supporters should expect one of the busiest summers in recent memory. The club has the cash and the motivation to act quickly in the transfer market. With the departure of club veterans on the cards and Slot’s desire to implement his own style, there’s little chance this window will pass quietly.
Pre-season will likely focus on adapting to new tactical roles, particularly in wide areas and midfield pivots. New signings may arrive before Euro 2025 kicks off, especially to avoid inflated prices later in the window. Supporters hoping for a smoother, more decisive Liverpool in 2025–26 will be encouraged by the urgency behind this rebuild.
More than anything, this summer signals a hard reset — not a tweak. Alexander-Arnold leaving would have been unthinkable a year ago. Now, it might just be the first step in turning the page for Liverpool under new leadership.
While fans digest the magnitude of these rumours, those paying attention to sports betting sites not on GamStop are already seeing odds shift around Liverpool’s prospects for next season. They are currently one of the favourites to win the title again, with odds of around 15/8, with Man City (9/4) and Arsenal (5/2) close behind them. With changes expected in key positions, the club’s title hopes may see renewed backing — or hesitation — depending on the success of their recruitment.
A Tactical Reset Under Arne Slot
Slot’s arrival has already set the tone for structural changes. Unlike Jürgen Klopp’s reliance on overlapping full-backs and gegenpressing patterns, Slot prefers a more controlled build-up with vertical width from wide attackers. That makes Frimpong an ideal fit — not just as a full-back but potentially as a wing-back or even a right midfielder in transitional phases.
Slot reportedly sees the right side of the pitch as a high-leverage area for overloads and final-third entries. With Alexander-Arnold gone and Frimpong introduced, Liverpool could lean into more aggressive one-touch play, using fast vertical combinations instead of deep-lying crosses and long diagonals.
If the reports are accurate, Slot isn’t looking to replicate the past — he’s building something different altogether. Arne Slot has earned a nomination for the Premier League Manager of the Season following a remarkable debut year in charge of Liverpool. The Dutch coach led the Reds to clinch the 2024–25 league title with four fixtures still remaining, marking a dominant campaign in his first season at Anfield. With just three defeats from 36 games, Liverpool currently hold a commanding 15-point lead at the top of the table. Slot joins a shortlist that also includes Nuno Espirito Santo, Thomas Frank, Eddie Howe, and Vitor Pereira.
What Frimpong Brings That Trent Doesn’t
While Alexander-Arnold has been lauded for his creative range, particularly his passing into the final third, critics have long pointed to his vulnerability in defensive transitions. Frimpong offers a different profile: defensively quicker, more agile in 1v1s, and significantly more direct with the ball at his feet.
At Leverkusen, Frimpong registered 11 goal involvements from wing-back last season — but more importantly, he contributed to over 60 progressive carries that led to shots. For a Liverpool side looking to stretch defences and inject speed into their attack, that kind of output is priceless.
Squad Shifts Beyond the Right Flank
The shake-up doesn’t stop with the right-back role. Liverpool are also rumoured to be in talks with midfield reinforcements, especially as the futures of Wataru Endo and Thiago Alcântara remain uncertain. There’s also increasing pressure to bring in a backup for Darwin Núñez, whose goal conversion rate remains erratic despite consistent starting roles.
Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott may see expanded roles, but with the possibility of five senior players leaving, depth will be a major concern. Fans will be watching closely to see whether the rebuild is limited to plugging holes — or whether Liverpool finally addresses long-term gaps in midfield balance and striker consistency.
