Liverpool FC are reportedly in advanced talks to land a bargain deal for Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen this summer. Despite already clinching the Premier League title, the Reds are keen to improve their ranks ahead of next season.
Frimpong has shone for Leverkusen since arriving from Celtic in 2022. The former Manchester City academy product helped the German outfit land a surprise Bundesliga title last season, attracting eyes from across Europe to his performances. It is claimed that the 24-year-old is interested in joining Liverpool.
According to Sky Germany, the Premier League champions have already staged ‘advanced’ discussions with Frimpong. Liverpool are ‘seriously’ pursuing a move for the Netherlands international to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Frimpong is open to leaving Leverkusen this year and could reportedly be snapped up for as little as £29.7million. That is because a release clause in his contract is claimed to become active at the end of the season.
Liverpool are searching for a new right-back after Alexander-Arnold revealed that he will leave when his contract expires this summer. The 26-year-old was booed by sections of the Anfield crowd during his side’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal on Sunday – his first appearance since making his decision public.
There are some on Merseyside who hope that academy graduate Conor Bradley can win more game time in Alexander-Arnold’s absence next season. But it seems Liverpool also want to source an external option to give Arne Slot better depth.
Alexander-Arnold may join Frimpong’s Leverkusen head coach Alonso next term. That is because both have been linked with moves to Real Madrid.
Alonso also announced his departure from the German outfit last week. He is expected to replace Carlo Ancelotti in the Bernabeu dugout. Ancelotti has been confirmed as the new Brazil national team boss and will start his new role at the end of the month.
Leverkusen were unable to defend their Bundesliga title, relinquishing it to Bayern Munich with a game to spare.
Meanwhile, Liverpool boss Slot is keen to play down comparisons between Alexander-Arnold and Bradley. The Dutchman said: “Let’s not compare with Trent already, they are different types in my opinion. We all see Conor’s potential.
“Last week I walked on pitch with him [at Chelsea] and for me, it was a surprise to hear from him, he had a comment about the stadium and it was the first he was there as well. For me he is already there ahead of development than being at Chelsea for the first time.
“Unfortunately, he hasn’t been fit all season but to become a good player you have to be fit all season but we have a lot of confidence in him as a very good full-back for Liverpool. That is already what he’s shown in the past two seasons.”