Liverpool have secured the signing of Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen for a fee of approximately £29.5 million. Triggering his release clause to fill the void left by Trent Alexander-Arnold’s move to Real Madrid on a free transfer. The 24-year-old Dutch right-back arrives at Anfield on a five-year contract. Bringing with him experience from the Bundesliga and a different style of play compared to his predecessor.
The departure of Alexander-Arnold marks the end of an era at Liverpool. A product of the club’s youth system, he made over 300 appearances, winning the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and League Cup. His move to the Spanish capital on a free transfer, after his contract expired, presents a significant challenge for the Anfield club. They are now looking at Jeremie Frimpong to patrol the right flank.
A New TAA-Less Era at Anfield
The transfer of Alexander-Arnold, a Liverpool academy product has left fans grappling with mixed emotions. His move to Real Madrid, finalised with a £10 million fee for an early transfer, signals the end of an era.
Frimpong, however, brings a different dynamic. Known for his pace and attacking flair, the former Manchester City youth player has signed a five-year deal with Liverpool. “It was a no-brainer,” Frimpong told the club’s website. He expressed enthusiasm about joining a squad featuring Dutch teammates Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo, and Ryan Gravenberch. His familiarity with Slot’s coaching style adds to the optimism surrounding his arrival.
Frimpong has developed into a key player for Bayer Leverkusen. Contributing significantly to their Bundesliga title win in the 2023-24 season and their strong showing in 2024-25. Primarily a right-back, he has also been deployed as a midfielder, showcasing his adaptability on the pitch. Standing at 1.72m, Jeremie Frimpong is known for his pace and stamina. He ranked second in the Bundesliga for total sprints this season with 1,021 and reaching a top speed of 36.34 km/h, placing him seventh in the league for speed.
Can Frimpong Replace Alexander-Arnold’s Contribution?
Replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold is a challenging task. Given his unique skill set as a right-back renowned for his exceptional passing range and vision. Alexander-Arnold’s ability to deliver line-breaking passes and dictate play from the back has been central to Liverpool’s style over the past decade.
Frimpong offers a contrasting profile. While he may not match Alexander-Arnold’s composure or vision in possession, he compensates with early deliveries into space and quick, short passes to teammates in wide positions. His game aligns with Liverpool manager Arne Slot’s preference for rapid transitions. He will provide a more direct approach on the right flank, potentially signalling a tactical shift rather than a like-for-like replacement.
The transition to the Premier League will be a key factor in his success. The intensity and physical demands of English football will test his capabilities. However, at 24 years of age, Frimpong arrives at Anfield with a significant period of his career ahead of him. Providing the club with a long-term option to redefine the right side of their defence and attack.
Frimpong’s Leverkusen Record
Frimpong’s time at Bayer Leverkusen under Xabi Alonso showcased his ability to contribute offensively from defensive positions. Since joining from Celtic in 2021 for £11.5 million, he has been a key part of Leverkusen’s success. Including their unbeaten Bundesliga title in 2023-24. His statistical output highlights his attacking prowess:
- 2023-24 Season: 14 goals and 10 assists in 47 appearances across all competitions.
- 2024-25 Season: 5 goals and 12 assists in 48 appearances, despite Leverkusen finishing second in the Bundesliga.
- Total for Leverkusen: 30 goals and 44 assists in 190 appearances.
