David Ornstein: Liverpool ‘Advancing in Talks’ to Sign ‘Electric’ Bundesliga Star | OneFootball

Liverpool Eye Frimpong Coup as Alexander-Arnold Era Nears End

Liverpool’s recruitment drive under Premier League-winning boss Arne Slot has begun in earnest, with The Athletic’s David Ornstein reporting that the club are “advancing in talks” to sign Bayer Leverkusen’s electric right-back Jeremie Frimpong. According to Ornstein, there is “increasing confidence from the player’s camp that a deal for him to move to Anfield will be struck.”

Frimpong, 24, is seen as a highly viable target not only for his form but also his affordability. His release clause—€35 million (£29.6m)—represents outstanding value in today’s inflated market for a player who has been one of Europe’s most influential wide defenders this season.

Personal terms, crucially, are not expected to be an obstacle. The Dutchman is “keen on joining Liverpool”, and Leverkusen are said to be aware of the ongoing discussions, which could conclude quickly after the Bundesliga season wraps up this Saturday.

Photo: IMAGO

Frimpong: More Wing Than Back

Frimpong’s numbers this season have been astonishing: 14 goals and 12 assists in 47 matches across all competitions for the Bundesliga champions. Mark Carey, also writing for The Athletic, observes that “Frimpong is about as attacking as it gets among right-backs in the game today.”

Indeed, he is “more ‘wing’ than ‘back’,” often utilised in a wing-back or even winger role under Xabi Alonso’s progressive system at Leverkusen. His verticality, off-ball movement, and relentless energy could make him a powerful attacking force at Anfield, especially as Liverpool transition tactically under Slot.

SkillCorner’s tracking highlights how Frimpong’s movement prioritises direct, forward runs. He is not a traditional build-up full-back, but rather one who thrives in chaos, exploiting space and stretching opposition defences.

Replacing a Legend, Not Replicating Him

With Trent Alexander-Arnold set to depart for Real Madrid in June, Frimpong’s arrival would signal a shift rather than a like-for-like replacement. Alexander-Arnold, known for orchestrating play from deep, will leave a creative void. However, Frimpong offers a more penetrative profile—less about tempo control, more about breaking lines.

“Frimpong may either have to adapt to playing a more balanced role,” Carey writes, “or Slot would likely need to make some tactical tweaks to provide adequate protection in the right channel.”

Photo: IMAGO

Slot, having shown considerable flexibility in his Feyenoord and now Liverpool setups, may well relish the opportunity to reframe how Liverpool attack from wide. The existing structure, particularly with Mohamed Salah extending his stay, will demand coordination. A front-footed full-back and Salah could crowd the same space unless midfield roles are adjusted accordingly.

Homegrown Status and Tactical Flexibility

Frimpong’s Manchester City academy roots mean he qualifies as a ‘homegrown’ player—an added bonus in squad registration terms. Despite his ultra-attacking style, there’s versatility in his profile: he played as a traditional right-back earlier in his Celtic career and has filled that role for the Dutch national team.

This history suggests he could offer tactical flexibility. While not a carbon copy of Alexander-Arnold, Frimpong’s blend of pace, intelligence, and productivity gives Liverpool a new tool with which to evolve their right flank without diluting their attacking potency.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

It’s hard not to get excited by this. Jeremie Frimpong isn’t just another name—he’s a statement. Bringing in a Bundesliga champion who’s been operating at an elite level under Xabi Alonso is exactly the sort of ambition we’ve come to expect from Arne Slot’s Liverpool.

Fans were understandably concerned with Trent leaving, but Frimpong doesn’t just fill the gap—he changes the game. Slot’s willingness to break away from Klopp’s tactical legacy is brave, and Frimpong would be the first big sign of what’s to come.

Imagine a right side with Frimpong bombing forward, Salah cutting inside, and someone like Dominik Szoboszlai or Harvey Elliott pulling strings in the half-spaces. Chaos for defenders. Slot’s high-pressing, attacking system would fit Frimpong like a glove—no more static build-ups, just relentless vertical energy.

The price tag? For a player of this quality in today’s market, it feels like a steal. Homegrown, Champions League-ready, and only 24—this could be one of the smartest moves of the summer. All eyes on Saturday and beyond.