Jeremie Frimpong 'leading candidate' and Liverpool 'well informed' of £29m transfer clause
Latest Liverpool transfer news with an update on their pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong
Jeremie Frimpong is a 'leading candidate' should Liverpool look to strengthen at right-back this summer. Arne Slot's side is expected to dip into the transfer market to find a replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold, after it was confirmed on Monday that he will leave Anfield at the end of his contract in June.
Alexander-Arnold, 26, who has won the Champions League, the Premier League twice and the Club World Cup among other major trophies at the Reds, is set to join Real Madrid as a free agent. And with Alexander-Arnold heading for the exit doors, Slot and key figures behind the scenes are eyeing up a potential successor.
As reported earlier by the ECHO, Leverkusen's Frimpong is a strong contender to replace Alexander-Arnold if the Reds attempt to strengthen their squad in the summer transfer window.
Fabrizio Romano added that Liverpool are 'well informed' on Frimpong's situation and how the Reds can trigger and pay for his £29.6million release clause. The Netherlands international 'remains of the main names on the shortlist', with Frimpong expected to be keen on moving to Merseyside.
Frimpong has been one of Leverkusen's star performers in recent years and was part of the side that won the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal last season. Although Leverkusen have endured a more difficult ride this term, Frimpong has still impressed, showing his talent at the highest level.
He has scored four goals, and added 12 assists, in 47 matches across all competitions from right-back. While Frimpong's tackling and defensive capabilities may flatter to deceive, he's a real menace going forward and is among the best in Europe in his position at driving into forward areas.
Conor Bradley is another option for the Reds. Liverpool head coach Slot confirmed on Friday that the Northern Ireland ace will start against Arsenal this weekend and be handed a chance to cement his place as their first-choice right-back. Bradley has impressed when called upon over the last 18 months.
Speaking on Bradley, Slot compared him to Paris Saint-Germain star Achraf Hakimi. He said: "You will not be surprised if I say everyone gets a programme over the summer.
"We want to keep them fit, but they also have to enjoy a few days off. Conor has such an intense playing style. They all run a lot, but Conor is in his own league.
"Comparable maybe with Hakimi at PSG. He is everywhere during the game as well. But Hakimi is 26. He is much more used to doing this every single week. He needs time, Conor, and a good programme to keep him fit.
"To become a very good player you have to be available every week, and that is the first step he has to take next season. But we have confidence in Conor as a very good full-back for Liverpool and that is already what he has shown. Conor is going to start [against Arsenal]. He needs playing time to get some games under his belt and to be better prepared for next season."