With Trent Alexander-Arnold confirming his departure at season’s end, Liverpool are faced with more than a positional void. They must replace a player who redefined what it meant to be a right-back—an architect of attacks, a set-piece weapon, and a local icon.
Arne Slot has options. But none will be like-for-like. Instead, the club must balance reliability, upside, and stylistic compatibility. Here are five internal and external candidates who could fill the space Alexander-Arnold leaves behind.
Conor Bradley
The obvious heir. Bradley has been groomed inside Liverpool’s system since age 15. He has already stepped up in big moments, most notably with a breakout run last season that included a commanding display against Chelsea.
The 21-year-old brings defensive steel and smart off-ball movement, if not quite Trent’s vision or distribution. His durability is a concern—injuries sidelined him for 17 matches this term—but Arne Slot has voiced support for giving him a larger role. If Liverpool choose trust over transfer fees, Bradley could be first in line.
Jeremie Frimpong
The Dutchman is arguably the most explosive candidate on the list. Frimpong has flourished under Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen, playing more like a winger in their back-three system and notching nine goals and seven assists during an unbeaten Bundesliga campaign.
A Manchester City academy graduate, Frimpong is considered homegrown under Premier League rules and has voiced admiration for Liverpool: “A great club, with history. That would be great,” he said in 2023. The only question is fit. Would he thrive in a back four where more defensive responsibility is required?
Denzel Dumfries
If Slot seeks experience and short-term dependability, Dumfries checks nearly every box. The Inter Milan full-back is coming off a strong Champions League campaign, even earning Man of the Match against Barcelona in the semifinal.
At 29, he would not block Bradley long-term but would offer two to three solid seasons of physicality, leadership, and versatility. Dumfries is less creative than Alexander-Arnold but could allow Slot to balance attack and defense without overhauling the system.
Pedro Porro
Statistically, Porro may be the closest thing to a one-for-one replacement. Spurs‘ right-back has equaled Alexander-Arnold’s six Premier League assists this season and leads in categories like open-play crosses and chances created.
Still, questions persist. His defensive metrics are mixed, and Spurs have struggled as a unit. But the raw talent is undeniable. If put in a more structured, title-challenging team, Porro’s technical qualities—combined with his Premier League experience—could shine.
Ola Aina
Aina would not excite headline writers, but he would be a smart, stabilizing addition. The Nottingham Forest defender has quietly been one of the league’s most consistent full-backs this season. Strong in one-on-ones, positionally sound, and largely injury-free, he represents a budget-friendly, plug-and-play option.
With his contract potentially expiring, Aina might be available on a free. For a club balancing squad depth, finances, and Bradley’s unpredictable development curve, the Nigerian international offers something many others do not: low risk.
