Liverpool are expected to act fast to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold this summer and could now be closing in on a long-term successor, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Liverpool preparing for life without Trent Alexander-Arnold
Losing one of your best players is a difficult endeavour for any manager. Still, Arne Slot will retain optimism that Liverpool can cope without Trent Alexander-Arnold after his departure was announced after his 20 years at Anfield.
Conor Bradley will start against Arsenal and has been endorsed by the Dutchman as a long-term option at right-back, even if he stopped short of citing the Northern Ireland international as a like-for-like replacement.
He stated: “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.”
Undoubtedly, Liverpool will need to supplement Alexander-Arnold’s presence by finding a reliable alternative in the market, and Newcastle United’s Tino Livramento is near the top of their list following his shining displays at St James’ Park.
Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen is another target for Slot, though he would occupy a central-defensive berth should a move materialise amid his £50 million release clause.
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First and foremost, celebrating a title victory that has been long-awaited on the red half of Merseyside will be the immediate priority.
However, time is of the essence, and Liverpool will need to replace Alexander-Arnold sooner rather than later, given that any new arrival in his position would need a bedding-in period to acclimatise to Slot’s high-octane style of play.
Now, Fabrizio Romano has delivered a significant update regarding who his successor could be.
Romano: Jeremie Frimpong open to Liverpool move
Taking to social media platform X, Romano confirmed that Liverpool are aware of the finer details regarding Jeremie Frimpong’s release clause at Bayer Leverkusen, and he also signified the Netherlands international is open to moving to Anfield.
The stipulation is deemed to be worth between £29.5 million and £33.8 million, and the former Celtic man remains one of the Reds’ priority targets this summer.
Labelled “magnificent” by Neil Lennon, Frimpong has registered four goals and 12 assists in 47 appearances for Bayer Leverkusen this season.
Famed for his pace from deep, the 24-year-old has created 28 chances and completed 21 successful crosses on league duty, which may go some way to replacing Alexander-Arnold’s output.
Of course, the Liverpool academy graduate is a unique case, and it may take several players to mimic his impact, but Frimpong would be a good place to start if the Reds can push a deal over the line.