
Anfield Index
·18. März 2025
Report: Liverpool Monitoring Right-Back Amid Uncertainty in Defence

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Yahoo sportsAnfield Index
·18. März 2025
With uncertainty surrounding Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future, Liverpool may soon be forced into the transfer market for a new right-back. According to Caught Offside, Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong has emerged as a serious target for the Reds, with his €40m release clause making him an affordable option.
The Dutch international is attracting interest from multiple top clubs, including Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Barcelona. However, it is reported that Frimpong prefers a move to England, which could work in Liverpool’s favour.
Photo: IMAGO
For years, Alexander-Arnold has been an irreplaceable part of Liverpool’s system, revolutionising the right-back role with his passing range and attacking prowess. But with his contract running down and Real Madrid reportedly keen, Liverpool may have no choice but to look for alternatives.
Photo: IMAGO
Frimpong fits the profile of a modern full-back. His ability to contribute in both defence and attack has been a standout feature of Leverkusen’s title-winning season, where he has been directly involved in 15 goals.
According to Caught Offside, “Liverpool admire his versatility in both defensive and attacking roles”, highlighting how he could fit into Arne Slot’s system if Alexander-Arnold departs.
Liverpool’s interest is far from straightforward, with Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Barcelona also monitoring Frimpong’s situation.
City have a historical connection to the player, having developed him in their youth system. Meanwhile, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is reportedly a strong admirer, and Real Madrid have him on their radar as a backup to Alexander-Arnold.
Despite the competition, Caught Offside claims that “Frimpong prefers England as his next destination”, suggesting Liverpool could hold a significant advantage if they decide to make a move.
Photo: IMAGO
One of Frimpong’s biggest strengths is his attacking output. With 15 goal contributions this season, he offers an offensive threat from full-back, something that aligns with Liverpool’s style.
However, his defensive positioning has been questioned at times, and Leverkusen’s system under Xabi Alonso allows him more attacking freedom than he might get in the Premier League. Arne Slot would need to adapt the team’s setup to ensure Frimpong thrives in both phases of play.
Liverpool fans will no doubt be excited by the idea of Frimpong joining, but is this deal really likely?
First, there is no certainty that Alexander-Arnold will leave. Despite the links to Real Madrid, Liverpool will surely push hard to renew his contract, given his importance to the club. Losing him on a free transfer would be a disaster both financially and tactically.
However, if Alexander-Arnold does depart, Frimpong would be an exciting replacement. His pace, dribbling ability, and attacking instinct make him a perfect fit for an attacking system, and his €40m release clause represents good value in the current market.
But one concern is his defensive discipline. While Alexander-Arnold has faced criticism defensively, his ability on the ball and tactical intelligence have always compensated. Frimpong is a different type of full-back, more reliant on his speed and attacking instincts. Would he be able to adapt to Liverpool’s pressing system?
Another factor is competition from Manchester City. Would Frimpong reject the chance to return to his former club, especially given their current dominance in English football? If Pep Guardiola enters the race, Liverpool may find themselves at a disadvantage.
Overall, Frimpong would be a smart signing if Liverpool need a new right-back, but keeping Alexander-Arnold should still be the club’s priority. If the England international stays, the need for Frimpong disappears—but if he leaves, Liverpool could do far worse than signing one of Europe’s most exciting full-backs.