Liverpool are reportedly nearing a deal for Bayer Leverkusen right-back Jeremie Frimpong, though a report suggests that this position still isn’t the club’s primary focus this summer.
Frimpong was crucial in Xabi Alonso’s success at Leverkusen, excelling in an attacking wing-back role that may not be retained under the next coach, as Alonso is headed to Real Madrid.
It could, therefore, be advantageous for Leverkusen to sell, and for Frimpong to seek new opportunities. The Dutch player is believed to have a release clause that would allow him to depart for a maximum of €40m (£34m).
Liverpool weren’t actively looking to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold, seemingly satisfied with handing a more prominent role to Conor Bradley. But with a Frimpong deal somewhat opportunistic, it appears to have jumped ahead of a more pressing issue.
The Athletic writes that Frimpong would be “keen” on joining Liverpool, counting Ryan Gravenberch among his friends and also already familiar with Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo. Both he and Leverkusen want the situation resolved “as soon as possible”.
But because Liverpool have been more keen on recruiting a left-back, according to that report, the Reds will have to make a swift decision on whether to push on with Frimpong or leave it.
Left-back is supposedly still considered the greater priority, with Andrew Robertson no longer the player he was and the potential to upgrade on Kostas Tsimikas. Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez is the target most frequently linked, although would be more expensive than Frimpong.
Liverpool, who could wind up losing Ibrahima Konate on a free transfer next summer and still need to replace Virgil van Dijk in the long-term, are also in the market for a centre-back and are among the clubs considered to have a good chance of signing Dean Huijsen.
There’s also the not so small matter of requiring a striker to upgrade on an inconsistent Darwin Nunez, and no limitless pot to spend with.
