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Liverpool Succession Planning Points to Frimpong as Salah’s Long-Term Solution

Liverpool’s forward planning is beginning to take clearer shape, and the club’s internal thinking around Mohamed Salah’s long-term future has quietly accelerated. While no immediate decision has been taken on Salah’s next step, the direction of travel is increasingly obvious: Liverpool believe they already have a credible internal option capable of evolving into his successor. That player is Jeremie Frimpong.

The context matters. Salah remains one of the Premier League’s defining figures, but his situation is more complex than it has ever been. Contractual timelines, workload management and tactical evolution under Arne Slot have all sharpened the focus on what comes next. Liverpool’s recruitment department has explored external options, yet the evidence now suggests that the most compelling answer may already be at Anfield.

Frimpong’s impact since arriving has shifted perceptions internally and externally. Initially viewed as a right-sided defensive solution, his deployment has expanded rapidly, reflecting both his natural instincts and the club’s growing confidence in his attacking output.

Frimpong’s Role Has Shifted Quickly Under Slot

Frimpong was recruited with versatility firmly in mind. Although capable of operating as a conventional right-back, his career trajectory has been defined by attacking freedom, particularly during his time in Germany, where he thrived in advanced wide roles. Liverpool were acutely aware of that profile when sanctioning the deal.

Under Slot, that flexibility has been embraced rather than constrained. Frimpong has increasingly been encouraged to break lines, drive into the final third and operate closer to the penalty area. The numbers support the tactical shift: high progressive carries, consistent touches in advanced zones and an ability to create separation in one-v-one situations.

What has stood out most is the speed at which he has adapted. Frimpong’s decision-making in tight spaces has improved noticeably, while his final ball has become more measured. Liverpool’s coaching staff view this development as central to his long-term value, particularly as Salah’s minutes are managed more carefully across competitions.

Liverpool View Succession as Evolution, Not Replacement

Internally, Liverpool are keen to avoid framing the situation as a straight replacement for Salah. The club’s strategy is based on evolution rather than replication. Salah’s output, consistency and durability are historically rare; expecting an identical successor would be unrealistic.

Instead, Liverpool’s recruitment and coaching departments are aligned around spreading responsibility across the front line while retaining elite threat from wide areas. Frimpong fits that model. His pace stretches defences vertically, his off-ball movement disrupts low blocks, and his willingness to attack space opens channels for central forwards and attacking midfielders.

This approach also reduces pressure on the market. While Liverpool have monitored external wingers, including high-value options across the Premier League and Europe, there is a growing belief that investing heavily elsewhere may represent better value. Central defence, depth in midfield and long-term squad balance remain priorities.

Financial Logic Strengthens Frimpong’s Case

There is a strong financial dimension to this thinking. Liverpool have already committed significant resources in recent windows, and avoiding an inflated fee for a marquee winger offers flexibility. Frimpong, already integrated and under contract, represents a controlled-cost solution with a high ceiling.

Crucially, his adaptability allows Liverpool to cover multiple scenarios. He can operate as a traditional right-back when required, function as a wing-back in hybrid systems, or push high as a right-sided attacker. That versatility is increasingly prized in modern squad building, particularly under managers who value fluid structures.

Liverpool’s data-led recruitment model has consistently favoured players who can grow into expanded roles rather than those who arrive fully formed. Frimpong fits that profile precisely.

Salah’s Future Still Central to Liverpool’s Planning

None of this diminishes Salah’s current importance. He remains pivotal to Liverpool’s competitive ambitions and continues to deliver decisive moments. However, the club’s planning horizon extends well beyond the next transfer window.

By positioning Frimpong as a long-term solution rather than an immediate replacement, Liverpool buy time, optionality and stability. It also allows Salah’s eventual transition to be managed without disruption, a lesson learned from previous cycles at the club.

In short, Liverpool do not see Frimpong as the next Salah in name or reputation. They see him as the next phase of their right-sided attack — different in profile, similar in impact potential, and increasingly central to how the club intends to evolve.