Image of Frimpong in a Liverpool kit
Liverpool's quest to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold has led them to Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong, with advanced talks underway to activate his €35-40 million release clause. Here's why Frimpong could be the perfect fit for Arne Slot's evolving vision at Anfield:
The Transfer Breakdown
- Release Clause: Frimpong’s €35 million clause, payable in four installments, makes him a financially savvy target.
- Celtic Windfall: A 30% sell-on clause means former club Celtic will pocket nearly $9 million from the deal.
- Dutch Connections: Frimpong’s rapport with Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo, and Ryan Gravenberch could ease his transition.
- Competition: Liverpool are also eyeing Monaco’s Vanderson and Feyenoord’s Givairo Read, but Frimpong’s attacking output and affordability give him the edge.
Frimpong’s Profile:
A Wing-Back Redefining Modern Full-Back Play:
Frimpong has thrived under Xabi Alonso at Leverkusen, operating as a marauding right wing-back in a 3-4-3 system. He brings:
- Elite Attacking Output: 18 goals and 19 assists in the last two seasons, with a career-high 14 goals in 2023/24.
- Tactical Flexibility: Slot could deploy him as an inverted full-back, a winger, or even experiment with a back-three system.
- Defensive Trade-Offs: Critics highlight his low tackle and interception rates, but his recovery speed and positional intelligence offset these concerns.
Why Frimpong Fits Slot’s Liverpool
- Replacing Trent’s Creativity: Frimpong’s 12 assists this season and knack for overlapping runs with Mohamed Salah could replicate Alexander-Arnold’s threat.
- Pressing and Transition Play: Frimpong’s 983 sprints align perfectly with Liverpool’s counter-pressing ethos.
- Champions League Pedigree: With 42 appearances in UEFA competitions, he brings experience to a squad eyeing European glory.
The Verdict
Jeremie Frimpong represents a high-reward gamble for Liverpool. His speed, creativity, and affordability align with the club’s transfer strategy. However, some experts believe Frimpong might not be the best fit due to his wing-back experience and potential defensive liabilities.
