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Liverpool’s Transfer Focus Shifts: Frimpong, Wirtz, and Palacios in Sight

With Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future at Anfield uncertain, Liverpool have reportedly set their sights on a potential replacement in Jeremie Frimpong, the Dutch right-back currently playing for Bayer Leverkusen. According to Caught Offside, Arne Slot has identified Frimpong as the club’s top target should Alexander-Arnold depart. Real Madrid are believed to be in “constant contact” with the Liverpool vice-captain, and with his contract expiring at the end of the current season, fears are growing that the Reds may lose one of their homegrown stars.

Frimpong, who at 23 years old has already established himself as one of Europe’s leading right-backs, would be a natural choice to fill Alexander-Arnold’s boots. His offensive stats are remarkable, having contributed an astonishing 14 goals and 12 assists last season alone. Such numbers indicate that Frimpong could offer Liverpool a dynamic alternative if their academy graduate decides to pursue new horizons.

Photo: IMAGO

Jeremie Frimpong: An Ideal Successor to Alexander-Arnold?

Frimpong’s attacking prowess is unquestionable. His ability to influence play from the right-hand side is reminiscent of Alexander-Arnold’s style at Liverpool. While he played in a wing-back role under Xabi Alonso’s 3-4-3 system at Leverkusen, the 23-year-old still managed to rack up impressive stats for both goals and assists. Frimpong’s potential €40m exit clause is set to become active next summer, meaning Liverpool could secure his services at a relatively reasonable price for a player of his calibre.

Caught Offside reports that “Frimpong is one of three Leverkusen stars Liverpool are keeping their eye on, with Florian Wirtz and Exequiel Palacios also in their sights.” However, of the trio, a move for Frimpong is the one Liverpool fans should take most seriously. This is particularly the case given the growing possibility of Alexander-Arnold moving to Madrid. If Trent departs, Frimpong could be the first major signing of Slot’s evolving Liverpool side, providing a fresh approach to the right-back position.

The Bigger Picture: Frimpong’s Suitors

It’s not just Liverpool who are eyeing up Frimpong. Real Madrid are reportedly monitoring the Dutchman as well, with the La Liga giants looking for a long-term successor to Dani Carvajal. In fact, “Real Madrid could move to sign Frimpong if they are unable to persuade Alexander-Arnold to quit Merseyside,” meaning that Liverpool could face stiff competition from their Spanish rivals.

Frimpong has also attracted interest from other top European clubs, including Manchester United and Arsenal. Manchester United, however, seem to have shifted their focus elsewhere after signing Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich this summer, while Arsenal have put Frimpong on their long-term wishlist but may not move for him imminently. This could give Liverpool a clear path to sign the Dutchman if they act quickly.

How Do Frimpong and Alexander-Arnold Compare?

Statistically, Alexander-Arnold remains one of the top right-backs in world football. With 83 assists and 19 goals for Liverpool, he has redefined the role of a modern full-back. Yet Frimpong, despite having far fewer appearances, has already shown that he can hold his own. His 36 assists and 26 goals for Bayer Leverkusen suggest he could provide a similar attacking threat to Liverpool’s current star.

Alexander-Arnold’s ability to control the game from deep positions and his superior passing range sets him apart from most full-backs. On the other hand, Frimpong excels in take-ons and direct dribbling, adding a different type of dynamism. As the report notes, “Frimpong was stronger in take-ons completed, highlighting his different style of being an attacking full-back.” This contrast in playing styles would mean a tactical shift for Liverpool, but one that could offer a new dimension to their attack under Slot’s leadership.

Long-Term Planning: Beyond Alexander-Arnold

It’s no secret that Liverpool are also looking to the future in other areas of the pitch. The club is reportedly exploring options to replace Andy Robertson at left-back, with Fulham’s Antonee Robinson and Bournemouth’s Lloyd Kelly among the players linked. With Robertson now 30, planning for the future on both flanks seems like a prudent strategy for Liverpool as they rebuild under Slot’s management.

If Alexander-Arnold stays, Frimpong may not arrive at Anfield immediately. However, the fact that Liverpool are keeping tabs on him suggests they are preparing for a future without their current vice-captain. As the club continues to reshape under Arne Slot, it’s clear that the right-back position will be a key area of focus.

Statistical Analysis by Anfield Index

Jeremie Frimpong’s performance data over the last 365 days reveals an attacking full-back with exceptional output in key offensive areas. With data provided by Fbref, this chart highlights how Frimpong has developed into one of Europe’s most productive right-backs.

Frimpong’s Attacking Strengths

Frimpong stands out particularly in attacking metrics, as evidenced by his 99th percentile ranking in Non-Penalty Goals and Non-Penalty xG. These figures confirm his ability to get into advanced positions and finish chances. His contributions are further amplified by 85th percentile rankings in Assists and an impressive 95th percentile in Expected Assisted Goals (xAG). These stats emphasise his dual-threat as both a creator and finisher, making him one of the top attacking full-backs in Europe.

Possession Play

The data also underlines Frimpong’s importance in possession. He ranks in the 99th percentile for Progressive Carries and Successful Take-Ons, which showcases his capacity to drive the ball forward and beat defenders. However, his Passes Attempted and Pass Completion % (both in the lower quartiles) suggest that while he excels in ball progression, his retention could use refinement in high-tempo situations.

Defensive Metrics

While Frimpong’s offensive prowess is undeniable, his defensive contributions lag behind. He ranks in the lower percentiles for Tackles and Interceptions (3rd percentile) and Clearances (26th percentile). These figures indicate that Frimpong’s role under Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso may have prioritised his forward thrusts, but this could be an area for improvement if he is to transition into more defensively robust systems like Liverpool’s.

In conclusion, Jeremie Frimpong’s performance data clearly positions him as an elite offensive full-back with room to grow defensively.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a Liverpool fan’s perspective, the idea of replacing Alexander-Arnold with Jeremie Frimpong is intriguing but also carries a sense of caution. Trent has been more than just a right-back for Liverpool—his passing range, vision, and creativity have often made him the heartbeat of the team’s attack. Losing him to Real Madrid would be a bitter blow for many supporters, especially given his status as a local lad who rose through the ranks.

That said, Frimpong could bring something fresh to the table. His ability to directly attack defenders, score goals, and set up teammates is something that could excite the Kop. Slot’s tactical flexibility also suggests that Frimpong could be deployed in a similar hybrid role to Alexander-Arnold, alternating between a full-back and a more advanced position. This evolution might mirror how Liverpool have adapted over the years under Jurgen Klopp and now Arne Slot.

However, Frimpong’s different style would require some patience from the fans. He’s not the same type of orchestrator as Trent, and there could be growing pains as he adjusts to the Premier League’s physicality and intensity. Nonetheless, if Slot can integrate him into the system and utilise his attacking prowess, Frimpong could become a key player for Liverpool in the post-Alexander-Arnold era.