Liverpool are gearing up for a significant transition as they prepare for life after Trent Alexander-Arnold. With the talented right-back heavily linked to a move to Real Madrid, the Anfield hierarchy is already identifying potential successors. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong has emerged as a prime candidate to fill the void left by Alexander-Arnold.
Real Madrid has reportedly made a formal approach to Liverpool to acquire Alexander-Arnold before his contract expires on June 30, 2025. The Spanish giants are eager to register him for the FIFA Club World Cup, which kicks off on June 18, 2025, where they are set to face Al Hilal in their opening match.
Frimpong, who has a €35 million release clause, fits the modern profile that Liverpool’s decision-makers are looking for. They admire his versatility and attacking prowess, especially after seeing him excel as a wing-back in Xabi Alonso’s dynamic 3-4-3 system at Leverkusen. While he may not replicate Alexander-Arnold’s playmaking ability, Romano notes that Frimpong is “not a passer like Alexander-Arnold, but is a great dribbler and ball progressor – something the Reds arguably lacked this term.”
With Luis Díaz currently the only natural dribbler in the squad, Frimpong could offer a new dimension from the right side. The Dutch international’s ability to push forward also provides crucial cover for Mohamed Salah, making his case for a transfer even stronger.
One of the standout aspects of the Frimpong link is the affordable release clause. At £30 million (€35 million), Liverpool views this as a strategic bargain. In an era where transfer fees have skyrocketed, securing a player of Frimpong’s quality and age (23) at that price would be seen as a shrewd business move. Romano confirmed this perception, stating that Liverpool sees the fee as “significantly undervalued relative to Frimpong’s true market worth.” This approach allows the Reds to preserve funds for reinforcements in other areas, particularly midfield and central defense.
However, a challenge arises regarding system compatibility. Frimpong has excelled as a wing-back in a back-three system, and questions linger over how he would adapt to a traditional back four. This tactical nuance presents a challenge for Arne Slot, who is entering his second season in charge after winning the Premier League title in his debut campaign. Slot must find a way to exploit Frimpong’s strengths going forward while mitigating any defensive vulnerabilities.
With Slot likely to implement a variation of his high-pressing 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 system, Frimpong may be asked to tweak his game. This will demand coaching flexibility and patience, especially in early matches. Fans will be watching closely to see how Frimpong adapts to the Premier League’s demands.
Meanwhile, the future of Arsenal star William Saliba is also a topic of concern as he enters the final two years of his contract this summer. The Frenchman is regarded as one of the best defenders in world football and has drawn interest from several top clubs, including Real Madrid. Despite the Spanish giants’ admiration for Saliba, Fabrizio Romano has indicated that a move to Madrid this summer is “unlikely.”
Romano explained that while Real Madrid loves Saliba, they see it as complicated to secure his services this summer, especially with Arsenal insisting on keeping him. The Gunners are keen to tie Saliba down to a new contract, with reports suggesting that Andrea Berta has stepped up talks with his camp following Real Madrid’s interest. Arsenal fans are hopeful that a long-term contract for Saliba will quell any immediate concerns regarding his future.
As for Manchester United, they are set to face a massive approach from Al-Hilal for Bruno Fernandes. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Saudi club has been in contact with people close to Fernandes, offering a lucrative salary to make him a centerpiece of their project. However, Manchester United remains firm in their stance, with head coach Ruben Amorim considering Fernandes as untouchable.
In other transfer news, Premier League clubs are aggressively pursuing Bournemouth centre-back Dean Huijsen, with Liverpool, Arsenal, and Chelsea all vying for his signature. Romano noted that these clubs are keen to finalize a deal by the end of May 2025, with Huijsen’s £50 million release clause making him an attractive target.
Liverpool’s interest in Frimpong is genuine, as they seek to replace Alexander-Arnold, who is expected to sign with Real Madrid. Romano has confirmed that Frimpong’s release clause is available this summer, and many clubs are interested in securing his services.
Meanwhile, Kevin De Bruyne’s future remains uncertain as his contract with Manchester City is set to expire at the end of the season. The 33-year-old midfielder is eager to make a decision before City travels to America for the FIFA Club World Cup. Despite rumors linking him to Liverpool, Romano stated that the Reds are not in negotiations with De Bruyne. Instead, the Chicago Fire has shown a strong obsession with signing the Belgian star.
As the summer transfer window approaches, clubs are preparing for significant changes. Liverpool is looking to evolve and strengthen their squad, while Arsenal aims to secure their key players and bolster their attacking options. The transfer market is heating up, and fans can expect plenty of action in the coming weeks.
In conclusion, the upcoming summer transfer window promises to be an exciting time for Premier League clubs as they look to reshape their squads. With high-profile players like Alexander-Arnold, Saliba, and De Bruyne at the center of attention, fans will be eagerly watching how these stories unfold.
