As the clock ticks down on the contracts of Liverpool’s star trio – Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold – the Reds are reportedly drawing up contingency plans should any of their prized assets depart Anfield. According to German outlet Bild, Bayer Leverkusen’s flying Dutchman Jeremie Frimpong has emerged as the prime candidate to fill the void at right-back, should local lad Alexander-Arnold bid farewell to his boyhood club.
Frimpong’s Meteoric Rise in Germany
The 23-year-old Frimpong has been a revelation since joining Leverkusen from Celtic in 2021, playing an instrumental role in Die Werkself’s domestic double triumph last season with a staggering 14 goals and 12 assists from the right flank. His blistering pace, pinpoint delivery, and eye for goal have drawn comparisons to Alexander-Arnold, making him a natural fit for Jürgen Klopp’s high-octane system.
Frimpong’s rapid ascent has not gone unnoticed, with European heavyweights Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester United also credited with an interest in the Netherlands international. However, Liverpool appear to be at the front of the queue, as they look to secure a long-term successor to their homegrown hero.
Alexander-Arnold’s Uncertain Future
The speculation surrounding Frimpong’s potential move to Merseyside comes amidst growing uncertainty over Alexander-Arnold’s future at his boyhood club. The 24-year-old, along with teammates Salah and Van Dijk, is set to enter the final six months of his current deal, and talks over an extension have yet to yield a breakthrough.
While Liverpool remain hopeful of tying down their talismanic trio, the prospect of losing any of them on a free transfer next summer is a scenario the club’s hierarchy are keen to avoid. The acquisition of Frimpong, who is under contract at Leverkusen until 2026, would provide both cover and competition for Alexander-Arnold, while also serving as a long-term successor should the England international opt to seek a new challenge.
A Homecoming for Frimpong?
For Frimpong, a move to Liverpool would mark a return to the Premier League, having begun his career at Manchester City’s academy. Despite impressing in the youth ranks, the Amsterdam-born defender failed to make a senior appearance for the Cityzens, prompting a move to Celtic in search of regular first-team football.
After establishing himself as a fan favorite at Parkhead, Frimpong’s meteoric rise continued following his £11.5 million transfer to Leverkusen. His performances in the Bundesliga have earned him widespread acclaim, with many tipping him to become one of the world’s premier right-backs in the coming years.
Jeremie has all the attributes to succeed at the highest level. His speed, technical ability, and desire to get forward make him a perfect fit for the modern game. He’s a player with a very bright future ahead of him.
– A close source to Frimpong
The Domino Effect
Liverpool’s pursuit of Frimpong is not the only potential transfer story involving Bundesliga full-backs, with reports suggesting that Bayern Munich have identified AC Milan’s Theo Hernández as a possible replacement for Alphonso Davies. The Canadian international, whose contract at the Allianz Arena expires in 2025, has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid, prompting the Bavarian giants to scour the market for a suitable successor.
Hernández, who has emerged as one of Europe’s most sought-after left-backs since joining Milan from Real Madrid in 2019, is believed to be at the top of Bayern’s wishlist. The 25-year-old French international played a pivotal role in the Rossoneri’s Serie A title triumph in 2022 and has continued to impress with his marauding runs and defensive solidity.
A Summer of Change?
As the transfer window approaches, the futures of several high-profile players appear to be hanging in the balance. While Liverpool remain hopeful of retaining the services of Salah, Van Dijk, and Alexander-Arnold, the club’s reported interest in Jeremie Frimpong suggests that contingency plans are being put in place.
Should Frimpong make the move to Merseyside, he would become the latest in a long line of Dutch stars to don the famous red shirt, following in the footsteps of compatriots such as Virgil van Dijk, Georginio Wijnaldum, and Dirk Kuyt. With his blistering pace, attacking prowess, and defensive acumen, the 23-year-old could prove to be the perfect fit for Klopp’s system, whether as a long-term successor to Alexander-Arnold or as a valuable addition to the squad.
As the transfer rumor mill continues to churn, one thing remains clear: the upcoming summer window promises to be a period of significant change for some of Europe’s biggest clubs. Whether Liverpool can retain their star players or will be forced to dip into the market for replacements remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure – the Reds’ reported interest in Jeremie Frimpong is a story that will have fans and pundits alike keeping a close eye on developments in the coming weeks and months.
