Liverpool supporters have been bracing themselves for a shake-up this summer, and one name keeps making the rounds: Jeremie Frimpong. The Bayer Leverkusen full-back, only 24 years old, has drawn serious attention from manager Arne Slot, with whispers suggesting Frimpong could soon head to Anfield.
Recent chatter about Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future is fueling this speculation. His current deal expires in a few months, and there’s growing noise around a possible move to Real Madrid. While many still hope he’ll stay, the club appears to be lining up alternatives just in case, and Frimpong is emerging as a prime candidate.
“I know people question why we haven’t done a lot in the transfer market,” Slot said back in January. “We’re happy with the squad, but we’re definitely working on strengthening in the summer.” Those plans may well include Frimpong. Word out of Germany is that the two share a friendly rapport, with Slot said to be in “regular contact” with the defender, according to Sports Bild.
Frimpong himself has hinted that he’d be open to the move. When asked about Liverpool in an interview with Ziggo Sport, he simply replied, “Liverpool? Great club, with history. [Joining them] would be great.” That kind of directness has only heated up the rumors. He also has a reported release clause of around $43 million, meaning Leverkusen won’t be able to push the price too high if Liverpool comes knocking.
Frimpong in the frame
It’s easy to see why Frimpong is on everyone’s radar. He offers blistering pace down the right flank, an appetite for attacking runs, and a knack for picking out teammates in the box. Last season, he contributed goals and assists in the Bundesliga, adding real thrust to Leverkusen’s title push. Arne Slot, who sees him as a natural fit in a system that favors full-backs bombarding forward, is said to believe he’d replace Alexander-Arnold seamlessly. “Slot sees Frimpong as the ideal replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold,” noted one source close to the club.
Not everyone agrees he’d be a straight swap. Some observers point to Alexander-Arnold’s unique passing range and question whether Frimpong’s more direct style would gel in Liverpool’s attacking patterns. Others highlight the need for improved defensive solidity, noting that Leverkusen often plays with a more conservative backline. In the Premier League, full-backs can’t take liberties without risking exposure.
For Liverpool, though, this summer could be about more than just one position. Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk also have contracts coming due. Even if each signs an extension, rumors suggest that Slot wants to reinforce multiple areas. Should Darwin Núñez or Luis Díaz depart, funds might be freed up for a major splurge. And if Frimpong remains top of the wish list, that $43 million clause won’t seem daunting in a market where fees often climb higher.
If Frimpong does arrive on Merseyside, his energy and attacking spirit may spark a new era down the right. And if Slot’s faith in him is any indication, the young Dutch defender could be an anchor in Liverpool’s next great lineup.
