Liverpool may have found their long-term replacement at right-back for Trent Alexander-Arnold. Reports claim the Reds scouted Jeremie Frimpong at the weekend and his arrival could have an impact on the England star’s position at Anfield.
Alexander-Arnold began playing an inverted role from right-back at club level towards the end of last season. He has continued in that position so far this term with huge success.
The 25-year-old has been allowed to showcase his attacking prowess, with key recent goals against Manchester City and Fulham. Jurgen Klopp has so far resisted picking Alexander-Arnold as an out-and-out midfielder.
But that could change if he has a player capable of playing at right-back on a consistent basis. Frimpong fits the bill and it appears the Reds could make their move.
A report from 90min says a scout from Liverpool was in attendance for Bayer Leverkusen’s match against Borussia Dortmund on Sunday. Frimpong was the main reason for the scout’s visit as Leverkusen were held to a 1-1 draw on their home patch.
Frimpong played the whole match as Victor Boniface cancelled out Julian Ryerson’s early opener for Dortmund. Frimpong has been at Leverkusen since leaving Celtic in January 2021.
The 22-year-old has made 114 appearances in total for the German side, with 17 goals and 29 assists in all competitions. Frimpong, who made his Netherlands debut in October, came through the academy at Manchester City before joining Celtic in 2019.
He has a release clause of around £35million in his contract that becomes active at the end of the season. That clause will expire at the end of the summer window, giving clubs extra incentive to sign him next year.
Alexander-Arnold is now recognised as a midfielder by England boss Gareth Southgate. Klopp could follow suit if he completes a deal for Frimpong.
However, speaking this week, the German said he will continue to pick Alexander-Arnold where he thinks will help the team best. Klopp said: “We still have to make decisions on what is best for the team and Trent sees it exactly the same way.
“He wants to play and from my point of view he has to be influential and we have to make sure we help him with the positioning. He became one of the most successful players in the history of Liverpool, in the recent history, playing as a right-back.
“He became a Premier League player as a right-back. He can play more inside definitely. He will play where it is best for us.”
