Liverpool is reportedly close to making a significant move to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The Reds are targeting Bayer Leverkusen defender Jeremie Frimpong as the potential successor to Alexander-Arnold, whose departure from Anfield at the season`s conclusion has been confirmed.
The Anfield club is reportedly moving swiftly to secure the services of the 24-year-old Dutch international.
According to The Times, the Merseyside club is prepared to activate the defender`s £30 million release clause.
However, the specific timing for the Reds to trigger the release clause of the Netherlands international is currently unspecified.
Liverpool`s interest in Frimpong is reportedly driven by his versatility, being capable of playing both as a right wing-back and a right winger.
The relatively modest £30 million fee required to bring him to Anfield is also cited as a factor in the club`s decision to pursue the move.
Acquiring Frimpong would also help increase the quota of homegrown players within the Reds` squad.
The Dutch player qualifies as homegrown because he spent nine years in England as part of Manchester City`s academy system. Interestingly, reports also recall that Frimpong previously opted for Manchester City over Liverpool when the Reds showed interest in him earlier in his career.
Frimpong played a crucial role in the Leverkusen side that clinched the 2023/24 Bundesliga title, surpassing Bayern Munich.
Leverkusen has openly expressed their desire to keep Frimpong and recently refuted claims that they had agreed to sell the defender.
Club CEO Fernando Carro stated: “Jeremie Frimpong has a long contract with us, which also includes an exit clause.” He added: “But we are currently not aware of any ongoing transfer.”
Liverpool had initially hoped they wouldn`t need to sign Frimpong, or any other right-sided defender, as they held out hope for Alexander-Arnold committing his long-term future to the club.
However, the England international made an emotional announcement last week confirming he would be leaving his boyhood club upon the expiry of his contract at the end of the season.
His announcement was met with a negative reaction from some sections of the Anfield fanbase, who reportedly booed him when he entered the field as a second-half substitute in the Reds` recent 2-2 draw against Arsenal.
